Midfield man enjoying life with The Saddlers...
SAM MANTOM celebrated his first home game since signing a permanent deal with the club by opening the scoring in our 3-1 victory over AFC Bournemouth.Mantom's effort found its way through a crowd of players and beyond former England International, David James in the visitors' goal.
"It was one of those situations where I saw an opportunity to put the ball into a dangerous area," he said. "I knew that if I put it into the right place it had a chance of causing problems and thankfully it went straight in.
"I'll take the goal and add it to my scoring record!"
The heart of the midfield has seen Mantom build up an excellent understanding with Adam Chambers, who himself is a former West Bromwich Albion youngster. "I'm really enjoying playing alongside Adam," he went on. "He's always there or thereabouts when I'm in trouble and I'd like to think that he feels the same way about me.
"We've developed a bond where we're passing it to each other well, creating space, picking up second balls and getting forward, which is just what the Gaffer is looking for from us.
"He has that extra experience, which I can only learn from and having him alongside me will only help my game improve.
"I'm delighted to be here on a permanent basis. I want to really stamp my authority on the team now and keep doing the right things and progressing. The next 12 months is going to be so important for me.
"As for the team, we're on an excellent run and have beaten some of the best sides in this League. That said, we won't get too carried away; we know that we have to be consistent and maintain the standards that we have set ourselves.
"Everyone wants to succeed here. There is a real grit and determination amongst the lads and we go into every game with confidence and belief."