Sawyers on new deal...
ROMAINE Sawyers put pen-to-paper on a new deal earlier today which takes him through to the summer of 2016.The former West Bromwich Albion man has enjoyed an extremely positive first full season in senior football, putting in some impressive displays that have certainly found favour with The Saddlers' supporters.
There was already an option in place to extend the 22 year-old's deal by a further year, but the fact that manager, Dean Smith, has given the local lad two years speaks volumes about the impact that he has made this season.
"I am thankful," said Sawyers, when asked how he felt about his new contract. "The Gaffer put his faith in me at the start and this shows that he still has that faith and sees me as a part of his plans for the future.
"This club is going in the right direction and it is really positive to be on board and part of it. I feel really appreciated by the staff, my team-mates and the supporters and that means a lot to me.
"The Gaffer already had a one-year option in place on me, but the fact that he has given me two years is a real boost.
"This is my first year of regular senior football; I've never experienced this amount of games before and it is credit to the Gaffer and staff here who have managed me well and kept me fit throughout the season.
"My body is not used to the intensity of matches at this kind of level and I owe a lot to the work that Jon Whitney has done with me.
"I admit that I've not been as sharp in the last few games, but this time next year it will be a different story and I will stay strong for the whole season.
"The fact that we have been in and around the play-offs for the majority of the season speaks volumes for the work that the Gaffer has done here; hopefully we can go one better next year and get into that top six.
"The target this season was to do that but we have fell just short. Having been up there for two-thirds of the season we now know what it takes and we can use this to our advantage next season.
"Before that, though, we have the chance to finish the current season on a positive note in front of our own supporters on Saturday.
"Colchester are now safe from relegation, so they will come here more relaxed and also determined to go into the summer with a win under their belts.
"It will make for a good game and I want to end it on a high."