THE SADDLERS and Stephen Roberts have agreed to part company by mutual consent.

The 29 year-old central defender, who joined the club from Doncaster Rovers in the summer of 2008, has seen his Walsall career blighted by a niggling back injury and has decided to leave the club. "Stephen feels that he can't get back to where he was and as a result has decided to call it a day," said manager, Chris Hutchings. "It's a shame because he made good progress during the summer, but has suffered a couple of relapses since then.

"It's disappointing but we have to respect his wishes; as a former Wales International it is frustrating for him that he can't reach the high standards that he sets himself.

"We wish him well for the future."

As Roberts departs the Banks's Stadium, discussions are still on-going to extend Clayton McDonald's loan spell from Manchester City.