so sad to leave: Mat Sadler has terminate a three-year $45 million contract extension offeredby the Walsall fc after…..

Walsall head coach Mat Sadler has signed a new contract of undisclosed length with the League Two club.

The 39-year-old, initially appointed on an interim basis following Michael Flynn’s dismissal a year ago, has led the team to 10th place this season, just three points shy of the play-off spots as they prepare to face AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.

Sadler, a former Walsall player, expressed his excitement about continuing his role, stating, “I’m thrilled to keep progressing and move forward into next season. We aim for consistency throughout the club and are gradually piecing everything together. Continuity and progress are the foundations for success.”

Since their relegation in 2019, Walsall has remained in the fourth tier, achieving their highest points total of 65 this season. The team has also won 18 matches and scored 68 goals, their best performance since the 2015-16 season.

Co-chairman Ben Boycott praised Sadler’s efforts, noting, “Mat is driving the aggressive, hard-working, high-integrity culture we want at the club through his dedication and unseen efforts. He often opens the training ground in the early morning darkness and works late into the night.”

Boycott added, “For me, the 2024 off-season is just a brief pause as we continue to build the club, and I’m very pleased to do this work with Mat.”