Important piece of the jigsaw in place...
THE SADDLERS have received a timely boosted with the news that inspirational skipper, Andy Butler has put pen to paper on a new one-year deal with a further year’s option.The 29 year-old has given sterling service to the club since arriving in November 2010, amassing over 120 appearances and winning the Player of the Year award for the last two seasons.
Robust and no-nonsense, he has been a mainstay in the heart of the back-line.
“I’m really pleased to have signed this new deal,” said the former Scunthorpe United and Huddersfield Town man. “My career has been revived here and I can’t praise the Gaffer enough; he’s treated me well and is one of the main reasons why I have signed.
“He’s a great manager and there are some good times ahead for the club, so I am delighted to be part of it.
“The club has treated me well and I am happy and enjoying my football here, which counts for a lot.
“I would say that I am playing some of the best football of my career; as a group we have progressed well and even when things weren’t going our way earlier in the season, we knew what we were capable of and there was always that belief that we would turn things around and be challenging at the right end of the table.
“There are six massive games to go now and if we continue doing the right things, we will give ourselves every chance of enjoying a successful end to the season.
“As I say, this club has a bright future and I am happy that I have got this sorted early and can concentrate on my football and helping Walsall push on.”
For Saddlers’ boss, Dean Smith, it’s an important piece of the jigsaw now in place. “This news is a big boost to the club,” he added. “Andy has been fantastic for me. He is a leader of men and commands the total respect of the players, supporters and myself.
“To win the Player of the Season award for two years on the spin is no mean feat and I am really pleased that he has committed himself to us.”