Mat Sadler issues “stick together” message after Walsall’s play-off heartbreak

Mat Sadler issues “stick together” message after Walsall’s play-off heartbreak

Mat Sadler has urged Walsall to “remain together” in the face of bitter disappointment, after the Saddlers fell agonisingly short of a return to League One.

 

Walsall’s promotion dream came to a heart-breaking end earlier this month when they were edged out by Bradford City for the final automatic promotion spot. Despite sitting atop League Two for a staggering 119 days across the campaign, a dramatic stoppage-time winner from Bradford against Fleetwood Town on the final day saw Walsall drop out of the top three.

 

Speaking in the aftermath of the Saddlers’ defeat in the play-off final, Sadler was quick to rally his squad, staff and supporters.

 

> “This is one of the toughest moments we’ve had to face as a group, but it’s in these times that we have to remain united,” the Walsall boss said. “It hurts, of course it does. We gave everything across the season and to fall short like this is cruel. But we must stick together, because we’ve come so far.”

 

Walsall had responded to their final-day heartbreak in emphatic fashion, producing a scintillating performance over two legs to beat Chesterfield 4-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals. That momentum carried them to Wembley, where they battled bravely but came up just short in a narrow 1-0 defeat to Crewe Alexandra.

 

Despite the defeat, Sadler insisted there is much to be proud of and plenty to build upon.

 

> “What we’ve done this season has been special. To lead the league for as long as we did shows how consistent and resilient this team is,” he added. “We’ve laid the foundations. Now it’s about learning from this experience and using it as fuel for next season.”

 

Supporters were left devastated by the final result, but many took to social media in the aftermath to praise the team’s efforts across the campaign. There is a growing sense of belief that under Sadler’s leadership, the Saddlers are on an upward trajectory.

 

The club’s ownership has also reiterated its backing of the manager, praising the culture he has instilled both on and off the pitch. With a strong core of players and a clear sense of identity, Walsall appear well-positioned to mount another promotion challenge in the 2025/26 season.

 

Sadler, who took charge of the club in 2023, has been widely credited with rejuvenating the squad and bringing a sense of optimism back to the Bescot Stadium. While the wounds of Wembley will take time to heal, his message to players and fans alike was one of hope and defiance.

 

> “We go again. Together. This group has shown what it’s capable of. With the backing of our incredible fans, we’ll come back stronger.”

 

The focus now turns to the summer, where key decisions will need to be made around recruitment, contract renewals, and preparations for another gruelling League Two campaign. For Walsall, the journey back to League One continues — and unity, as Sadler insists, will be crucial.

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