29-year old striker becomes Whitney's ninth summer signing...
Walsall Football are delighted to announce the signing of Canadian forward Simeon Jackson on a two-year deal.The 29-year old, who ended last season with Championship side Blackburn Rovers, becomes the clubs ninth summer signing.
“I’ve had a look around place and I get a really good vibe so it feels great to have signed,” explained Jackson. “It was all down to the gaffer really.
"He told me how much he wanted me and the environment they are looking to build here and the philosophy of the club.
“We spoke and he outlined his plans for me and the club and we managed to get it done.
“I want to come here, play as many games as I can, score goals and cause defenders problems. I love playing on the shoulder, making runs and creating chances.
“It’s a new challenge for me being a senior in the changing room but from what I know and have seen in my short time here the set up looks really good.
“The club just missed out [on promotion] last season and hopefully they can learn from it and be up there again this year.”
Born in Jamaica, Jackson moved to Canada as a child where he started out in youth football, before moving to the UK as a teenager.
His prolific goal scoring abilities at non-league level caught the eye of Rushden and Diamonds and at the age of 17 Jackson found the net 42 times in 93 appearances.
He furthered his career in 2008 with a move to Gillingham where he continues his fine goalscoring form, adding another 42 goals over a two-year spell with the Kent club.
This prompted interest from Norwich City who were quick to move for the free-scoring forward, paying £600,000 for his services in the summer of 2010.
His goal against Portsmouth in May 2011 saw the Canaries clinch promotion to the Premier League.
His next move was to the German Bundesliga with Eintracht Braunschweig in July 2013 before returning to English football with the likes of Millwall, Coventry City, Barnsley and most recently Blackburn Rovers.
Simeon Jackson will be wearing the number 9 shirt for the 2016/17 campaign.