Mat Sadler wants Shrewsbury Town to compete further up the table after netting new deal
Mat Sadler is determined to be competing at the other end of League One after signing a new deal at Shrewsbury Town.
The 32-year-old defender, who swept up at Salop’s end-of-season awards after playing a vital role as they stayed up last term, has agreed a new two-year deal.
Also, 20-year-old goalkeeper Shaun Rowley has put pen to paper on a fresh one-year contract.
“The main thing was that we stayed up, but that cannot be where the work stops,” said Sadler.
“We can’t go into this season now, just trying to stay up again. I think the fans would get disengaged if we were just looking at a relegation battle every year.
“We have to look at being a higher club in this league. I don’t see any reason why we can’t be. I’m looking forward to us making our mark and having a good season.”
Sadler, who last term made the transition from left-back to centre-half, cited his relationship with boss Paul Hurst and his assistant Chris Doig as one of the reasons he wanted to stay.
“The manager and Doigy will be saying exactly the same. They aren’t here to be involved in relegation battles,” he said.
“We want to achieve things and be successful. I have loved playing for the manager here, I have said it time and time again. He really brought the best out of me last season, for sure. The manager’s honesty is one of his big, big qualities.
“That’s another reason why there was no other place I wanted to play my football.”
He added: “I like being part of having responsibility around the club – I thrive on that. I want to have an impact on younger players in the dressing room.
“If I can be that link between the managers and the players, I’m happy to do that.”
Rowley is one the Town coaching staff believe has all the tools to be a top keeper, and he said: “It’s good to have that backing – I feel I have got that.
“That’s why it was so easy to stay and have another year. I’m really happy.
“The manager wants me to push and compete, to keep developing – getting bigger and better.
“I think a fresh start, fresh season, it can only get better. It should be exciting.”
