THE SADDLERS have added another vital piece of our jigsaw for the campaign ahead with the signing of Michael Ricketts.

The 29 year-old came through the ranks here at the Banks's Stadium to make a total of 90 first-team appearances in all competitions, during which time he notched 15 goals.

It prompted a move to Bolton Wanderers in the summer of 2000 where he helped the club to promotion into the Premier League in his first season before really coming to the fore with his all-action displays in the top-flight.

His form for the Lancashire outfit saw him earn a full cap for England in an International Friendly against Holland in February 2002 before Middlesbrough paid £3.5million to secure his services.

Things didn't work out for him in the north-east and he was allowed to join Leeds United in readiness for the 2004/05 campaign. During his time at Elland Road he was loaned out to Stoke City, Cardiff City and Burnley before making a permanent switch to Southend United in the summer of 2006.

By January 2007 he had moved into The Championship with Preston North End where he ended the 2006/07 season.

During the summer of 2007 he became one of Oldham Athletic's key signings and duly scored in a 3-0 win for The Latics here at the Banks's Stadium. However, it wasn't long before he became a Walsall player once more on a three-month loan deal and during a productive spell he scored five goals in 16 outings, including one in a 2-0 win at Oldham as he was given permission to turn out against his parent club.

His quality in front of goal helped the club enjoy an impressive run of results which saw us challenging in the play-off zone and his presence was certainly missed upon his departure.

A big, bustling front-man who, on his day, is an outstanding talent and will be an important addition to Jimmy Mullen's squad. "It's good to be back," Ricketts said moments after putting pen to paper. "I had a bit of success here last season and I will be looking to build upon that.

"This club is really moving forward and I am delighted to be part of it. The new training ground is a top-class facility and a good place to come to work. On top of that, we have some extremely talented young players; the likes of Troy Deeney, Alex Nicholls and Ishmel Demontagnac have come on so well since I was last here and they will provide a bright future for this club.

"We know that League One will be very competitive, but everyone starts on an even keel and we have every chance of doing well if we can push on.

"It's nice to be coming home. This club means a lot to me and having spent the summer with Anthony Gerrard, he convinced me that we are really going places under Jimmy Mullen."

Saddlers' boss, Jimmy Mullen added: "I am absolutely delighted to have signed a player of Michael's quality.

"He has proven his ability over the years and during his loan spell here last season, he proved what he is capable of and we will be looking to get that on a regular basis.

"The team will benefit greatly from his experience and goals; this is an opportunity for him to play regularly and enjoy his football again.

"He's back at his spiritual home and in the prime of his career, so hopefully we'll reap the benefit of his vast experience, not only at top-flight level but also internationally."