Popular left-back rejoins Saddlers...
Walsall FC are delighted to confirm the return of left-back Scott Laird on loan from Scunthorpe until the end of the season, subject to Football League clearance.The 28-year-old impressed for the Saddlers during the first half of the campaign, scoring three goals in 22 appearances following his temporary switch from the Iron back in August.
“I’m absolutely delighted to get it done,” said the former Preston and Stevenage defender. “It was a bit delayed but it did help not having a game last weekend as it gave us more time to get it all done.
“But everything has now been sorted between the two clubs and I’m delighted to get it over the line ahead of the big game on Saturday.
“I can’t thank the fans enough for how they’ve taken to me. I had some big boots to fill with Rico [Henry], but I’d like to think I’ve done enough and I’m looking forward to cracking on in the second half of the season.”
Manager Jon Whitney commented: "We're really pleased to welcome Lairdy back. He'll be pushing for a place, and we've now got Eoghan [O'Connell] and Lairdy to strengthen our backline.
"It's important we have strength in depth as once this window closes, that's it until the end of the season. It gives us options and I'll still be looking to add in the attacking half of the pitch before the end of the month."
He spent four-and-a-half years at Broadhall Way, making over 200 appearances, and helped them win back-to-back promotions from the Conference Premier to League One.
Laird signed for Preston in May 2012 and was a key member of the North End squad that won promotion from League One via the play-offs in 2014/15.
The 5'9" defender joined Scunthorpe that summer and played 38 times for the Iron as they finished seventh last season, before moving to Walsall on loan last August.