Walsall Football Club is pleased to announce that Head Coach Mat Sadler has committed his future to the club by signing a new contract.
Under Sadler's leadership, the club has achieved significant milestones in the 2023/24 season, including securing its highest points tally since returning to League Two, and the most wins and goals scored since the 2015/16 season, reflecting the progress made under Sadler's guidance.
Sadler, who played for the club previously on two separate occasions, joined the coaching team, initially as a Player/Coach in the summer of 2020 before permanently joining the backroom team following his retirement from playing.
He served as interim Head Coach at the end of the 2022/23 season before being appointed as the permanent Head Coach in May 2023.
Sadler is keen to build on the progress that has been made this season and is pleased to have signed fresh terms.
“I’m delighted to get it sorted,” Sadler said.
“There was only one place I wanted to be. I’m delighted to continue the progression and move it forward into next season.
“We want consistency running throughout the club. I have a great relationship with Ben, Leigh, Matt Jordan and Stefan Gamble. We recognise that we’re trying to build a football club that we’re all proud of and this is a continuation of that, solidifying my role and then continuing that build within the place.
“We’re trying to, piece by piece, put things together. That continuity and progress can only be the route and foundation for success.
“The hard work starts now and it’s all about progressing and continuing to give the supporters a football club that we’re proud of and that’s my job.”
Co-Chairman Ben Boycott expressed his delight at securing Sadler's services for the foreseeable future.
“I’m very pleased to get this over the line with Mat,” he said.
“Under his leadership, the First Team has made positive progress this season from the prior seasons, reflected in our points tally, league position and goals scored.
“Just as important in my view, is the foundation that has been established both in terms of personnel and culture that we can build on going into next season. In addition to seeing some positive strides on the field, Mat is setting the pace for the aggressive, hard-working, high-integrity culture that we want at the football club, by the work he puts in when nobody is watching. He routinely opens the training ground by himself in the dark in the morning, and is often up into the early hours working as well.
“Obviously we have a close eye on our match tomorrow and on those around us in the table. But regardless of those outcomes, in my view, the 2024 off-season is but a brief interlude as we continue building this football club onward and upward, and I’m very pleased to be doing that work with Mat.
“My full congratulations to Mat for signing this new contract – he’s earned it and I look forward to seeing him build on his first year as the club’s Head Coach.”
Leigh Pomlett, Co-Chairman of Walsall FC, echoed Boycott's sentiments, emphasising the positive impact Sadler has had on the club's trajectory.
“It has been a much more progressive season under Mat’s leadership. He gives the club stability which is critical to the success of any club,” added Pomlett.
The contract extension for Mat Sadler signifies the club’s commitment to stability and sustained progress and is a reflection of the club’s confidence in his leadership as we strive for continued improvement and progression.
