Walsall manager Mat Sadler has confirmed that the League Two leaders will not be signing free agent Romaine Sawyers, but they are allowing the midfielder to train with the team for as long as he needs.
Having been without a club since his departure from Bristol Rovers last summer, Sawyers participated in Walsall’s pre-season preparations.
Previously, Sadler mentioned that he saw a potential deal as “everything’s open” regarding the 34-year-old, who previously played for Walsall from 2013 to 2016.
Though Sawyers is currently training with Walsall, the head coach has ruled out any plans for a permanent signing.
“When Rom was with us in pre-season, I said he was welcome to train with us at any point, and that’s what’s happening,” Sadler told BBC Radio WM.
“This isn’t about signing him; we’re just helping out a great person, and we’ll continue to do that because I promised him.”
“But it’s not with the intention of making a signing.”
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Sadler provides updates on Pressley, Jellis, and Roofe
Sadler also shared updates on injured striker Aaron Pressley and the fitness statuses of Jamie Jellis and Kemar Roofe in his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s clash with league rivals Bromley.
Pressley suffered a hamstring injury during a 2-0 loss to Colchester on November 15, and it was initially feared he would be sidelined for several months.
However, Sadler reported that the results of a scan were “very positive,” suggesting that the Scotland international could return for the FA Cup second-round match against Gateshead on December 7.
“I’ll say it cautiously, but that’s our current expectation,” Sadler added.
“We need to be careful with his recovery, especially since it’s a sensitive area of his hamstring. We don’t want to rush him back, but right now, things look good.”
Jellis has been unavailable since early this month due to “abdominal inflammation.” Sadler mentioned that the midfielder is training and monitoring his condition, although he is not yet at “100%.”
Walsall-born forward Roofe joined the club on a short-term contract until January two weeks ago and has made a couple of appearances from the bench.
Sadler noted that Roofe is still working towards full fitness after a series of injuries and is not yet ready to compete for a starting spot.
“The most important thing for Kemar is that after a tough training session, he feels fine the next day,” Sadler said. “He’s recovering from a serious injury, which takes more than just a few weeks. While he isn’t prepared to start league matches yet, he’s certainly ready to contribute.”
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