Mat Sadler

Mathew John Sadler (born 26 February 1985) is an English professional footballer who plays for EFL League Two club Walsall. He is a left-footed defender capable of playing either at full-back or as a centre-back.

Sadler played in the Premier League and the Football League for Birmingham City. He spent most of his career in the Football League, for Northampton Town, Watford, Stockport County, Shrewsbury Town, Walsall, Crawley Town, Rotherham United and Oldham Athletic.

Club Career

Birmingham City

Sadler was born in Birmingham, West Midlands. He began his career as a junior with Birmingham City. He made his first team debut on 2 October 2002 in a League Cup second round tie away at Leyton Orient, starting in the 3–2 win at Brisbane Road. A month later, he made his Premier League debut in a 3–1 home win over Bolton Wanderers, again as a starter.

On 21 November 2003, having not played for Birmingham that season, Sadler went on a two-month loan to Northampton Town, playing eight games, seven of which in the Third Division. In May 2004, signed a new contract to keep him at Birmingham. However, Sadler suffered ankle and football problems.

On 7 February 2006, having not played for Birmingham since 28 December 2002 nor any team since 10 January 2004, Sadler made his return in a 2–1 home win over Reading in an FA Cup fourth round replay, coming on for Mathew Birley after 59 minutes. This was his only appearance until 1 April when he was in the first team to play Chelsea at home, a goalless draw. He stayed in the starting line-up for the remaining games, as the season ended with relegation. At the end of the 2005–06 season, Sadler was awarded the Radio WM Breakthrough Award at the club's annual dinner. Not only that, Sadler signed a two–year contract with the club.

In the 2006–07 season, Sadler began to be first team regular in the left-back position. However, Sadler suffered a groin injury in training, resulting him missing out for four matches. Sadler then m