Chambers twins pen new deals...
THE SADDLERS have a double reason to celebrate after Adam and James Chambers put pen-to-paper on new deals at Banks’s Stadium.Adam has signed a two-year contract, whilst twin brother, James, has committed to a further year.
The experienced duo are popular figures both on and off-the-field with Adam finishing runner-up in the voting for the Player of the Season award last term and James making a solid contribution in a total of 24 outings.
“I’m really pleased that they have both signed new deals,” said manager, Dean Smith. “They are fantastic professionals and good people to have around the place.
“I’ve known Adam for a long time and he has proved to be an invaluable member of the team both on and off-the-field since he arrived here two years ago.
“He plays a key role in the middle of the park and to secure his services for another two years is a real boost to us.
“James meanwhile came in at the start of last season looking to prove himself and he has certainly done that.
“He worked his way into the team and showed us what he can do in both full-back positions.
“Like his brother, he is a role-model for the younger lads and his experience will prove vital to us.”
Adam came through the ranks at West Bromwich Albion, signing professional forms at The Hawthorns in 1999 before making his senior debut the following year.
He made a total of 70 appearances for The Baggies, during which time he appeared in the top-flight and also had a loan spell with Sheffield Wednesday.
Arriving at Leyton Orient via a brief spell with Kidderminster Harriers in the summer of 2006, he gave outstanding service to The O’s in almost 200 outings.
Joining Walsall in readiness for the 2011/12 campaign, he has been a key figure in the engine room of the side since then.
Meanwhile James joined the club on the eve of last season.
He too is a product of the West Bromwich Albion youth system and made 78 appearances for his hometown club.
Having appeared in the top-flight for The Baggies, he then joined Watford, initially on loan in August 2004, before joining the club on a permanent basis and helping them secure promotion into the Premier League.
His next move took him to Leicester City via a loan spell at Cardiff City, but within a year he was on the move again, joining Doncaster Rovers.
Establishing himself in the Rovers’ side, his versatility served the club well during the course of 87 outings.
“I’m very pleased to have signed this new deal,” said Adam. “It’s a situation that has been ongoing for a while, but I am glad it has been done and dusted now because I thoroughly enjoy it here and can concentrate on the season ahead.
“The club showed last season that we are moving in the right direction and hopefully that progress will continue.
“The nucleus of the team is already in place and the Gaffer and Richard O’Kelly know exactly how to get the best out of us.
“Everything is in place for us to build further.”
“I am delighted to have extended my stay here,” added James. “It’s a good club with good management and players.
“People saw what we were capable of during the second half of last season and hopefully we can recreate that form and push on from where we left off.
“From a personal point of view I feel that I was performing like myself towards the end of the season and now I can’t wait for the new season to get underway.”