THE SADDLERS have today received a major boost with the news that Darren Byfield has agreed a deal with the club until the end of the 2010/11 season, with a further years option..

The 33 year-old has been in fine form since returning to the Banks's Stadium from Oldham Athletic at the end of August and has seven goals to his name so far this term, during which time he also notched his 100th career goal.

"I am absolutely delighted to have signed this new deal," he said. "To wake up every day and know that you are going to be training in top-quality facilities gives you a real energy boost.

"This club has developed so much over the years and I am thrilled to be part of it again. The gaffer, Martin O'Connor and the Chairman have all been brilliant to me and showed exactly how much they want me here, which means a lot.

"The team spirit that exists amongst the lads is first-class and that shows out on the pitch where we are challenging in the top half of the table. There is an awful lot of emerging talent here and it is up to me and the other experienced lads to help bring it on. I do a lot of talking - and moaning - but I remember the way that the likes of Fitzroy Simpson, Don Goodman and Paul Hall helped me and I want to do the same.

"Players such as Troy Deeney works hard and wants to learn, whilst the likes of Netan Sansara, Mark Bradley, Manny Smith and Rene Gilmartin are all developing well and have bright futures ahead of them.

"We know that we are fighting against some bigger clubs in this League, but we have confidence throughout the team and coaching staff that is standing us in good stead.

"I just want the best for myself and the team and, to be fair, we are not far off where we want to be. Three of our four games over Christmas are at home, so we have a good chance to really push on.

"That said, we're not going to get ahead of ourselves; we will keep working hard, doing the right things and then see where it takes us.

"The supporters also have an important role to play in all of this. They have been brilliant to me and I know that they will always be behind me if I continue to work hard. I want to continue to make them happy by contributing the goals that will help us progress."

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