Mat Sadler

Sadler was born in Birmingham, West Midlands.{{cite web |title=Mat Sadler |url=https://www.11v11.com/players/mat-sadler-19847/ |work=11v11.com |publisher=AFS Enterprises |accessdate=22 November 2017}} 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.{{cite news|title=Leyton Orient 2–3 Birmingham|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/2281390.stm|accessdate=14 May 2015|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2 October 2002}} A month later, he made his Premier League debut in a 3–1 home win over Bolton Wanderers, again as a starter.{{cite news|title=Blues bury Bolton|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2373123.stm|accessdate=14 May 2015|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2 November 2002}}

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.{{cite news|title=Bruce looking for an anchor man|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bruce-looking-for-an-anchor-man-22963|work=Birmingham Mail|date=27 May 2006|accessdate=26 June 2016}}{{cite news|title=Transfers – November 2003|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/3248989.stm|accessdate=14 May 2015|publisher=BBC Sport|date=27 November 2003}} In May 2004, signed a new contract to keep him at Birmingham. However, Sadler suffered ankle and foot problems.{{cite news|title=Heskey back to boost Blues|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/heskey-back-to-boost-blues-13042|work=Birmingham Mail|date=26 August 2005|accessdate=26 June 2016}}

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.{{cite news|title=Birmingham 2–1 Reading|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/4680422.stm|accessdate=14 May 2015|publisher=BBC Sport|date=7 February 2004}} 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.{{cite news|title=Sadler's emergence recognised|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sadlers-emergence-recognised-22193|work=Birmingham Mail|date=4 May 2006|accessdate=26 June 2016}} He also signed a two–year contract with the club.{{cite news|title=Sadler signs Birmingham contract|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/birmingham_city/4973196.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=4 May 2006|accessdate=26 June 2016}}

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.{{cite news|title=Boss calls for Blues goal-fest|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/boss-calls-for-blues-goal-fest-26011|work=Birmingham Mail|date=8 September 2006|accessdate=26 June 2016}} Sadler then made his return to the first team on 30 September 2006, playing 90 minutes, in a 1–1 draw against Leicester City.{{cite web|url=http://www.blues.premiumtv.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10412~33196,00.html |title=Match Report: Birmingham City 1 – 1 Leicester City |publisher=Birmingham City F.C. |date=30 September 2006 |accessdate=26 June 2016 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070910161103/http://www.blues.premiumtv.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0%2C%2C10412~33196%2C00.html |archivedate=10 September 2007 |url-status=dead }} Sadler played a role in a match against Coventry City on 31 October 2006 when he provided assist for Nicklas Bendtner to score the only goal of the game with a win.{{cite web|url=http://www.blues.premiumtv.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10412~33476,00.html |title=Match Report: Coventry City 0 – 1 Birmingham City |publisher=Birmingham City F.C. |date=31 October 2006 |accessdate=26 June 2016 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070910160846/http://www.blues.premiumtv.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0%2C%2C10412~33476%2C00.html |archivedate=10 September 2007 |url-status=dead }} After this, Sadler continued to be a first team regular in the left-back position for the remainder of the season until he was dropped from the first team ahead of the match in favour of Stephen Kelly against Barnsley on 9 April 2007.{{cite news|title=Match Report: Barnsley 1 Birmingham City 0|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/barnsley-1-blues-0-39508|work=Birmingham Mail|date=9 April 2007|accessdate=26 June 2016}} Manager Steve Bruce explained his decision to leave out Sadler of the squad.{{cite news|title=Bruce explains Sadler decision|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bruce-explains-sadler-decision-39665|work=Birmingham Mail|date=13 April 2007|accessdate=26 June 2016}} As a result, Sadler never played again for the remainder of the 2006–07 season, as Birmingham City were promoted back to the Premier League. Despite this, Sadler made thirty–six appearances. Nevertheless, Sadler then signed a three–year contract with the club, keeping him until 2010.{{cite news|title=Sadler signs new Blues deal|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11694/2492530/sadler-signs-new-blues-deal|publisher=Sky Sports|date=20 June 2007|accessdate=26 June 2016}}

In the 2007–08 season saw Sadler suffered a knock{{cite news|title=Bruce: I need to cover my back|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bruce-i-need-to-cover-my-back-43379|work=Birmingham Mail|date=1 August 2007|accessdate=26 June 2016}} and Achilles problem at the start of the season.{{cite news|title=Blues defensive duo to miss opener|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/blues-defensive-duo-to-miss-opener-43645|work=Birmingham Mail|date=8 August 2007|accessdate=26 June 2016}} After missing out the first two matches, Sadler made his first appearance of 2007–08 when he came on as a substitute for Fabrice Muamba in the 80th minute, in a 1–0 loss against West Ham United on 18 August 2007.{{cite news|title=Birmingham City 0–1 West Ham United|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6941856.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=18 August 2007|accessdate=26 June 2016}} Sadler then provided assist for Garry O'Connor in the 27th minute, in the first round of the League Cup, in a 2–1 win over Hereford United on 28 August 2007.{{cite news|title=Birmingham City 2 – 1 Hereford United|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/blues-2-hereford-1-44296|work=Birmingham Mail|date=28 August 2007|accessdate=26 June 2016}} However, Sadler struggled for the first team place after losing his left-back position to Franck Queudrue and Liam Ridgewell. As a result, Sadler was sent to play in the reserve.{{cite news|title=Birmingham City Reserves 5 – 1 Fulham Reserves|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/blues-res-5-fulham-res-46481|work=Birmingham Mail|date=6 November 2007|accessdate=26 June 2016}} But in December, Sadler returned to the first team in the left-back position in his first league appearance since December, in a 2–1 loss against Newcastle United on 8 December 2007.{{cite news|title=Newcastle United 2 – 1 Birmingham City|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-2-birmingham-city-1-47548|work=Birmingham Mail|date=8 December 2007|accessdate=26 June 2016}} However, on his next appearance against Reading, Sadler came under criticism when his back-pass short led to goalkeeper Maik Taylor brought down Stephen Hunt in the penalty box, leading Hunt to take the penalty himself and converted the penalty successfully.{{cite news|title=Birmingham City 1 – 1 Reading|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7134124.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=15 December 2007|accessdate=26 June 2016}} After the match, Taylor defended Sadler, stating he could one day bounce back.{{cite news|title=Mat Sadler backed to recover after blunder|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/mat-sadler-backed-to-recover-after-47740|work=Birmingham Mail|date=19 December 2007|accessdate=26 June 2016}}

After appearing one more appearance, Sadler was left out of the squad once again and attracted interests from clubs around England.{{cite news|title=Blues zero in on James McFadden as David Murphy signs|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/blues-zero-in-on-james-mcfadden-as-david-56508|work=Birmingham Mail|date=17 January 2008|accessdate=26 June 2016}} Upon joining Watford, Sadler said it was an honour to play for Birmingham City, the team he grew up supporting, and regretted not playing enough games for the club.{{cite news|title=Mat Sadler: It's been an honour to play for Blues|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/mat-sadler-its-been-an-honour-56965|work=Birmingham Mail|date=25 January 2008|accessdate=26 June 2016}}

Sadler joined Watford on 24 January 2008 for an initial fee of £750,000, rising to £900,000 depending on appearances. He signed a three-and-a-half-year contract.{{cite web|url=http://www.blues.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10412~1223752,00.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080127104835/http://www.blues.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10412~1223752%2C00.html |title=Sadler joins Watford |publisher=Birmingham City F.C |date=24 January 2008 |archivedate=27 January 2008 |url-status=dead }}

Sadler made his Watford debut on 29 January 2008, making his first start for the club, in a 1–1 draw against Sheffield United.{{cite news|title=Sheffield United 1 – 1 Watford|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/7210577.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=29 January 2008|accessdate=26 June 2016}} Despite the injury,{{cite news|title=Sadler set to be passed fit|url=http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/2108324.Sadler_set_to_be_passed_fit/|publisher=Watford Observer|date=11 March 2008|accessdate=26 June 2016}} Sadler was the regular in the first team for the remainder of 2007–08 season, making fifteen appearances.

In the 2008–09 season, Sadler started well, appearing for the first three matches to the start of the season until he suffered a lateral knee ligament injury.{{cite news|title=Sadler faces month out|url=http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/3647796.Sadler_faces_month_out/|publisher=Watford Observer|date=5 September 2008|accessdate=26 June 2016}} After missing out five matches, Sadler regained his first team place and then provided assist for Tamás Priskin to score the first goal of the game, in a 3–0 win over Southampton on 18 October 2008.{{cite news|title=Southampton 0 – 3 Watford|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/7665089.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=18 October 2008|accessdate=26 June 2016}} Sadler, once again, sidelined when he suffered an injury that kept him out throughout November.{{cite news|title=Brendan Rodgers makes three changes for trip to St Andrew's|url=http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/3956195.Eustace_and_Sadler_back_for_Watford_s_trip_to_Birmingham/|publisher=Watford Observer|date=6 December 2008|accessdate=26 June 2016}} Following his return, Sadler played against his former club, Birmingham City, on 6 December 2008, which saw Watford lost 3–2. Ahead of the match, Sadler stated he hope the club regain back to the Premier League.{{cite news|title=Watford's Mat Sadler tips Birmingham City for promotion to Premier League|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/watfords-mat-sadler-tips-birmingham-74103|work=Birmingham Mail|date=4 December 2008|accessdate=26 June 2016}} Sadler eventually fell from grace at Vicarage Road and made his final appearance for Watford on 26 December 2008 in a 2–4 home defeat to Bristol City. During the match, Sadler came under criticism when he conceded two goals before being substituted at half–time.{{cite news|title=Bristol City run out 4–2 victors at Vicarage Road|url=http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/4003693.Boxing_Day_blues_for_Watford/|publisher=Watford Observer|date=26 December 2008|accessdate=26 June 2016}} As a result, Sadler was sent to play for the reserve for the remainder of the season{{cite news|title=Henderson and Oshodi goals enough for Watford Reserves|url=http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/4271594.Watford_Reserves_limted_to_2_0_win_by_Stevenage_keeper/|publisher=Watford Observer|date=6 April 2009|accessdate=26 June 2016}} and made fifteen appearances.

In 2009–10 season, Sadler remained on the sidelines. In October 2009, Sadler went on trial at Huddersfield Town{{cite news|title=Watford left back Mat Sadler on trial with Lee Clarke's Huddersfield Town|url=http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/4681729.Sadler_on_trial_with_Huddersfield/|publisher=Watford Observer|date=14 October 2009|accessdate=26 June 2016}} Sadler played for the club's reserve on 14 October 2009 against Grimsby Town's reserve, where he provided assist on one of the goal, with a 3–1 win.{{cite news|title=Former Birmingham defender Mat Sadler set up Huddersfield Town's second in win over Grimsby Reserves|url=http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/4682581.Sadler_claims_assist_in_Huddersfield_trial/|publisher=Watford Observer|date=14 October 2009|accessdate=26 June 2016}} However, Huddersfield Town decided against signing Sadler.{{cite news|title=Lee Clark not 'taking things any further' regarding Watford defender Mat Sadler|url=http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/4693817.Huddersfield_Town_not_following_up_Mat_Sadler_interest/|publisher=Watford Observer|date=21 October 2009|accessdate=26 June 2016}} After this, Sadler appeared seven times as an unused substitute.{{cite news|title=On loan QPR striker Heidar Helguson and former Huddersfield target Mat Sadler return to Watford squad at West Brom|url=http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/4713634.Helguson_and_Sadler_back_for_Watford/|publisher=Watford Observer|date=31 October 2009|accessdate=26 June 2016}} Sadler then joined Stockport County on loan in January 2010 and remained at Edgeley Park until the end of the League One season.{{cite news|title=Stockport sign duo as Rose leaves|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/8488178.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=29 January 2010|accessdate=26 June 2016}} His debut for the club took place on 30 January against Southampton.{{cite news|title=Southampton 2–0 Stockport County|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/8480751.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=30 January 2010|accessdate=26 June 2016}} Sadler became a first team regular for the club, where he made twenty appearances. However, despite Sadler's best effort, the club were later relegated to League Two.

Sadler joined League Two club Shrewsbury Town on 7 July 2010 on loan for six months. According to manager Graham Turner, the player seemed reluctant initially to play in the fourth tier of English football but was won over by the club's ambition.{{cite web|url=http://www.shrewsburytown.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10443~2085965,00.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322131035/http://www.shrewsburytown.com/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10443~2085965%2C00.html |title=Defender Joins |publisher=Shrewsbury Town F.C |date=7 July 2010 |archivedate=22 March 2012 |url-status=dead }} Sadler made his Shrewsbury Town debut in the opening game of the season, in a 3 – 1 win over Bradford City.{{cite news|title=Shrewsbury Town 3 – 1 Bradford City|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/8842794.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=7 August 2010|accessdate=26 June 2016}} In the next game, Sadler played a role for the club when he provided assist for Matt Harrold to score the only goal in the game in a 1–0 win over Macclesfield Town.{{cite news|title= Macclesfield Town 0 Shrewsbury Town 1 – match report|url= http://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/2010/08/16/macclesfield-0-shrewsbury-town-1-match-report/|work=Schropshire Star|date=16 August 2010|accessdate=26 June 2016}} Since then, Sadler made an impressive display at Shrewsbury Town, having established himself in the first team and expressed interests of extending his loan spell at the club for the remainder of the season.{{cite news|title=Mat Sadler happy to stay at Shrewsbury Town|url= http://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/shrewsbury-town-fc/2011/01/06/mat-sadler-happy-to-stay-at-shrewsbury-town/|work=Shropshire Star|date=6 January 2011|accessdate=26 June 2016}} On 6 January 2011 saw Sadler's loan spell at Shrewsbury Town extended until the end of the season.{{cite news|title=Watford's Mat Sadler extends Shrewsbury Town loan|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/shrewsbury/9344807.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=6 January 2011|accessdate=26 June 2016}} During the match against Port Vale on 8 March 2011, Sadler controversially fouled Tom Pope in a penalty box, leading to a penalty kick converted successfully, which resulted a 2–2 draw.{{cite news|title=Shrewsbury Town 2 – 2 Port Vale|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/shrewsbury/9344807.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=8 March 2011|accessdate=26 June 2016}}{{cite news|title=Mat Sadler urges Shrewsbury Town FC to forget about penalty woe|url= http://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/shrewsbury-town-fc/2011/03/09/mat-sadler-urges-shrews-fc-to-forget-about-penalty-woe/|work=Shropshire Star|date=9 March 2011|accessdate=26 June 2016}} Despite this, Sadler went on to be an ever-present player in the League Two season to play every minute of every game for his club. Sadler played in two matches in the play–offs against Torquay United, but lost 2–0 in the first leg and drew 0–0 in the second leg.

At the end of the 2010–11 season, it was announced that Sadler was one of the three players released by the club.{{cite news|title=Watford confirm Preston North End, Shrewsbury Town and Rotherham United loanees will be released|url=http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/9040434.Watford_confirm_trio_set_to_be_released/|publisher=Watford Observer|date=20 June 2011|accessdate=26 June 2016}}

After a successful loan spell at Shrewsbury Town,{{cite news |url=http://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/shrewsbury-town-fc/2011/06/23/shrewsbury-town-not-ruling-out-new-loan-signings/ |title=Shrewsbury Town not ruling out new loan signings |first=James |last=Garrison |newspaper=Shropshire Star |date=23 June 2011 |accessdate=26 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110828231408/http://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/shrewsbury-town-fc/2011/06/23/shrewsbury-town-not-ruling-out-new-loan-signings/ |archive-date=28 August 2011}} Sadler joined Walsall on 27 June 2011 on a one–year contract.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/13930337|title=Walsall sign ex-Birmingham City defender Mat Sadler |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 June 2011 |accessdate=26 June 2016}} He hoped to make a new start after a lack of first-team opportunities at Watford.{{cite news |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/walsall-fc/2011/07/11/mat-sadler-wants-new-start-at-walsall/ |title=Mat Sadler wants new start at Walsall |newspaper=Express & Star |date=11 July 2011 |accessdate=26 June 2016}} Sadler made his Walsall debut in the opening game of the season, a 1–0 win over Leyton Orient.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14351925 |title=Walsall 1–0 Leyton Orient |publisher=BBC Sport |date=6 August 2011 |accessdate=26 June 2016}} Against Hartlepool United seven days later, Walsall took an early lead via Jon Macken's penalty after Sadler was fouled; the match ended as a 1–1 draw.{{cite news |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/walsall-fc/2011/08/13/hartlepool-1-walsall-1/ |title=Hartlepool United 1 Walsall 1 |newspaper=Express & Star |date=13 August 2011 |accessdate=26 June 2016}} A few weeks into the season, manager Dean Smith dubbed him "Mr Reliable", because "He's solid, dependable and gets forward. He knows the game, is intelligent and has a fantastic attitude."{{cite news |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/walsall-fc/2011/09/03/dean-smith-hails-mr-reliable-mat-sadler/ |title=Dean Smith hails Mr Reliable Mat Sadler |newspaper=Express & Star |date=3 September 2011 |accessdate=26 June 2016}}

Against Huddersfield Town on 5 November, Sadler crossed the ball for Jamie Paterson's equaliser that ended a three-match losing streak.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15504320 |title=Huddersfield Town 1–1 Walsall |publisher=BBC Sport |date=5 November 2011 |accessdate=26 June 2016}} He was sent off for a second bookable offence against Charlton Athletic on 10 December,{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16015594 |title=Walsall 1–1 Charlton Athletic |publisher=BBC Sport |date=10 December 2011}} so was suspended for the FA Cup second round replay against Dagenham & Redbridge which Walsall lost in a penalty shootout;{{cite news |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/walsall-fc/2011/12/13/tough-love-at-walsall-is-working-for-saddlers-defender-manny-smith/ |title=Tough love at Walsall is working for Saddlers defender Manny Smith |newspaper=Express & Star |date=13 December 2011 |accessdate=26 June 2016}}{{cite news |url=https://www.teamtalk.com/news/spoton-daggers-go-through |title=Spot-on Daggers go through |website=Teamtalk |date=13 December 2011 |accessdate=25 November 2023}} it would remain the only match he missed all season. Around that time he spoke of how painful he found the team's loss of form, which he took personally.{{cite news |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/walsall-fc/2011/12/16/walsall-defender-mat-sadler-reveals-his-hurt-at-saddlers-slump/ |title=Walsall defender Mat Sadler reveals his hurt at Saddlers' slump |newspaper=Express & Star |date=16 December 2011 |accessdate=24 November 2023}}

Facing Colchester United on 27 March 2012, in his 193rd league game (222nd in all competitions), Sadler scored his first senior goal, breaking what BBC Sport described as "one of football's longer droughts".{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17537231 |title=Walsall full-back Mat Sadler celebrates his maiden goal |publisher=BBC Sport |date=28 March 2012 |accessdate=26 June 2016}}{{cite news |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/walsall-fc/2012/03/28/mat-sadlers-finish-is-timely-for-left-back/ |title=Mat Sadler's finish is timely for left-back |newspaper=Express & Star |date=28 March 2012 |accessdate=26 June 2016}} The 3–1 win lifted Walsall out of the relegation places, and Florent Cuvelier's equaliser against Huddersfield on 28 April from Sadler's cross confirmed their safety.{{cite news|title=Walsall 1–1 Huddersfield Town|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17796078|publisher=BBC Sport|date=28 April 2012|accessdate=26 June 2016}} Sadler was voted player of the season by his team-mates and finished as runner-up to Andy Butler for the supporters' Player of the Year award, but despite Butler encouraging him to stay, he rejected Walsall's offer of a two-year contract.{{cite news |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/walsall-fc/2012/06/07/mat-sadler-urged-to-stay-at-walsall-fc/ |title=Mat Sadler urged to stay at Walsall FC |newspaper=Express & Star |date=7 June 2012 |accessdate=26 June 2016}}{{cite news |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/walsall-fc/2012/06/09/walsall-defender-mat-sadler-leaves-for-crawley/ |title=Walsall defender Mat Sadler leaves for Crawley |newspaper=Express & Star |date=9 June 2012 |access-date=24 November 2023 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124144912/https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/walsall-fc/2012/06/09/walsall-defender-mat-sadler-leaves-for-crawley/ |archive-date=24 November 2023}}

On 8 June 2012, Sadler joined newly promoted League One side Crawley Town on a free transfer after turning down a new two–year contract with the club.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18371106 |title=Crawley Town sign Mat Sadler and Nicky Adams |publisher=BBC Sport |date=8 June 2012 |accessdate=25 November 2023}} He cited manager Sean O'Driscoll's winning mentality as the reason he joined.{{cite news|title= Sadler hails boss' role in signing|url=http://www.crawleynews.co.uk/sadler-hails-boss-role-signing/story-16355492-detail/story.html|newspaper=Crawley News|date=13 June 2012|accessdate=26 June 2016}}

Sadler made his debut on 14 August, starting in a League Cup match as a left back against Championship side Millwall which ended 2–2, with Crawley winning 4–1 on penalties.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19159709|title=Millwall 2–2 Crawley (1–4 pens)|publisher=BBC Sport|date=14 August 2012|accessdate=26 June 2016}} Four days later, on 18 August 2012, Sadler made his league debut for Crawley Town, in the opening game of the season, in a 3–0 win over Scunthorpe United.{{cite news|title=Crawley Town 3–0 Scunthorpe United|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19221390|publisher=BBC Sport|date=18 August 2012|accessdate=26 June 2016}} Sadler then scored his first goal for the club on 5 March 2013, in a 1–1 draw against Carlisle United.{{cite news|title=Crawley Town 1 – 1 Carlisle United|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21584043|publisher=BBC Sport|date=5 March 2013|accessdate=26 June 2016}} In his first season at Crawley Town, Sadler went on to be an ever-present player in the League One season to play every minute of every game for his club, as he helped the club finish tenth place.

In the 2013–14 season, Sadler continued to regain his place in the first team, under the new management of Richie Barker. Sadler then score his first Crawley Town goal of the season on 17 August 2013, in a 2–1 loss against Rotherham United.{{cite news|title=Crawley Town 1 – 2 Rotherham United|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23644697|publisher=BBC Sport|date=17 August 2013|accessdate=26 June 2016}} Then on 21 September 2013, Sadler then provided assist for Emile Sinclair, in a 1–1 draw against Colchester United.{{cite news|title=Colchester United 1 – 1 Crawley Town|url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24089873|publisher=BBC Sport|date=21 September 2013|accessdate=26 June 2016}} Sadler made his 200th consecutive league appearance on 12 April 2014 against MK Dons.{{cite news|title=Mat Sadler: Points are more important than personal milestones|url=http://www.crawleynews.co.uk/mat-sadler-points-important-personal-milestones/story-20953271-detail/story.html|publisher=Crawley News|date=13 April 2014|accessdate=26 June 2016}} Like his first season at Crawley, Sadler was, once again, to be an ever-present player in the League One season to play every minute of every game for his club, as he helped the club finish fourteenth place.

At the end of the 2013–14 season, with his contract was about to run out, Sadler was among four players to be offered a new contract.{{cite web|url=http://www.crawleytownfc.com/news/article/05.05.14-player-contracts-1521361.aspx|title=New offers made to four players|publisher=Crawley Town F.C.|date=5 May 2014|accessdate=26 June 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304044741/http://www.crawleytownfc.com/news/article/05.05.14-player-contracts-1521361.aspx|archivedate=4 March 2016 |url-status=live}} However, due to weeks of delays, the club decided to withdraw the contract offer on Sadler and was released by the club in June.{{cite web|url=http://www.crawleytownfc.com/news/article/02-06-contract-offers-withdrawn-498332.aspx|title=Contract offers withdrawn|publisher=Crawley Town F.C.|date=2 June 2014|accessdate=26 June 2016|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20140603212413/http://www.crawleytownfc.com/news/article/02-06-contract-offers-withdrawn-498332.aspx|archivedate=3 June 2014 |url-status=live}} After leaving the club, Sadler was linked with a move to clubs around England and Scotland.{{cite news|title=Transfer news: Host of clubs chasing former Crawley defender Mat Sadler|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11745/9341531/transfer-news-host-of-clubs-chasing-former-crawley-defender-mat-sadler|publisher=Sky Sports|date=9 June 2016|accessdate=26 June 2016}}

Sadler joined newly promoted Championship side Rotherham United on a free transfer from Crawley Town on 17 June 2014.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27885752|title=Rotherham sign Crawley Town defender Mat Sadler|publisher=BBC Sport|date=17 June 2014|accessdate=24 July 2014}} Upon joining the club, Sadler said he cannot wait to play in the Championship with the Rotherham United side.{{cite news|title=Ex-Blue Mat Sadler: It's nice to be back in the Championship|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/birmingham-city-its-nice-back-7314088|work=Birmingham Mail|date=24 June 2014|accessdate=26 June 2016}}

After appearing five times in the pre–season friendly matches, it wasn't until on 26 August 2014 for Sadler made his Rotherham United debut in the second round of the League Cup, which saw them lost 1–0 against Swansea City.{{cite news|title=Swansea City 1 – 0 Rotherham United|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/28847204|publisher=BBC Sport|date=26 August 2014|accessdate=26 June 2016}} However, this turns out to be his only appearance in the League Cup, before returning to Crawley in September on loan.{{cite web|url=http://www.crawleytownfc.com/news/article/11.09-mat-sadler-signs-1907803.aspx|title=Matt Sadler back with Crawley Town|publisher=Crawley Town F.C.|date=11 September 2014|accessdate=1 June 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018074923/http://www.crawleytownfc.com/news/article/11.09-mat-sadler-signs-1907803.aspx|archivedate=18 October 2014|url-status=live}} He was linked with a loan move to Notts County and Crewe Alexandra.{{cite news|title=Sadler turned down Notts County and Crewe for Crawley Town, says Gregory|url=http://www.crawleynews.co.uk/sadler-turned-notts-county-crewe-crawley-town/story-23020398-detail/story.html|publisher=Crawley News|date=1 October 2014|accessdate=26 June 2016}} Sadler then had a run in the first team, which lead to extending his loan spell for another month.{{cite news |url=http://www.crawleynews.co.uk/Rotherham-United-allow-Mat-Sadler-extend-Crawley/story-23154069-detail/story.html |title=Rotherham United allow Mat Sadler to extend Crawley Town stay |newspaper=Crawley News |date=14 October 2014 |accessdate=29 January 2015 }} After extending his loan spell, Sadler continued to remain in the first team before returning to his parent club on 13 November 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.crawleytownfc.com/news/article/13.11-players-transfer-listed-2081358.aspx|title=Five go on transfer list|publisher=Crawley Town F.C.|date=13 November 2015|accessdate=1 June 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221001352/http://www.crawleytownfc.com/news/article/13.11-players-transfer-listed-2081358.aspx|archivedate=21 December 2014 |url-status=live}}

When his loan expired, he returned to Rotherham, and made no further first-team appearances until joining Oldham Athletic on a month's loan in March 2015.{{cite news|title= Sadler heads to Oldham Athletic|url= http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11065/9756973/sadler-heads-to-oldham|publisher=Sky Sports|date=13 March 2015|accessdate=26 June 2016}} Upon joining the club, Sadler was brought by Oldham Athletic as a replacement for Joseph Mills, who suffered a calf–injury.{{cite news |url=http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/10/oldham-athletic-news/90797/loan-arrivals-can-lift-latics |title=Loan arrivals can lift Latics |first=Matthew |last=Chambers |newspaper=Oldham Chronicle |date=17 March 2015 |accessdate=20 March 2015}} Sadler made his Oldham Athletic debut on 14 March 2015, in a 3–1 loss against Barnsley.{{cite news|title=Oldham Athletic 1 – 3 Barnsley|url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/31776219 |publisher=BBC Sport|date=14 March 2015|accessdate=2 June 2016}} Sadler then provided assist for Conor Wilkinson on 21 March 2015, to score the only goal in the game in a 1–0 win over Crewe Alexandra, to end the club's three match losing streak.{{cite news|title=Crewe Alexandra 0 – 1 Oldham Athletic|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/31882682|publisher=BBC Sport|date=21 March 2015|accessdate=26 June 2016}} After making eight appearances for the club, Sadler returned to his parent club on 13 April 2015.{{cite news|title=Sadler back at Rotherham United|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11065/9803729/sadler-back-at-rotherham|publisher=Sky Sports|date=13 April 2015|accessdate=26 June 2016}}

At the end of the 2014–15 season, Sadler was released by the club.{{cite news|title=TRANSFER TALK: Ex- Crawley Town and Birmingham defender released by Rotherham|url=http://www.crawleynews.co.uk/transfer-talk-crawley-town-birmingham-defender/story-26449772-detail/story.html|publisher=Crawley News|date=6 May 2015|accessdate=26 June 2016}}

Following his release from Rotherham, Sadler signed for former loan club Shrewsbury Town in League One, on a two-year contract in May 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.shrewsburytown.com/news/article/shrewsbury-town-mat-sadler-sky-bet-league-one-2456949.aspx|title=Sadlers Signs For Town|publisher=Shrewsweb|date=14 May 2015|accessdate=14 May 2015|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20150514192708/http://www.shrewsburytown.com/news/article/shrewsbury-town-mat-sadler-sky-bet-league-one-2456949.aspx |archivedate=14 May 2015 |url-status=live}}

Sadler's first game after signing for the club on a permanent basis came in the opening game of the season, in a 2–1 loss against Millwall.{{cite news|title=Shrewsbury Town 1 – 2 Millwall|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33744221|publisher=BBC Sport|date=8 August 2015|accessdate=26 June 2016}} A regular in the side in the early part of the season, Sadler scored his first goal for the club in a 2–1 defeat to Chesterfield,{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33857745|title=Shrewsbury 1–2 Chesterfield|publisher=BBC Sport|date=18 August 2015|accessdate=22 November 2015}} but lost his place in the first-team after a run of poor personal form.{{cite web|url=http://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/shrewsbury-town-fc/2015/11/20/towns-mat-sadler-hurting-at-his-loss-of-form/|title=Mat Sadler hurting at his loss of form|work=Shropshire Star|date=20 November 2015|accessdate=22 November 2015}} Having been recalled for an FA Cup first round victory at non-league Gainsborough Trinity, he was praised for his "first class attitude" and determination by manager Micky Mellon.{{cite web|url=http://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/shrewsbury-town-fc/2015/11/21/town-boss-hails-mat-sadlers-attitude/|title=Town boss hails Mat Sadler's attitude|work=Shropshire Star|date=21 November 2015|accessdate=22 November 2015}} Sadler later scored his second goal of the season on 26 April 2016, in a 2–1 loss against Walsall.{{cite news|title=Walsall 2 – 1 Shrewsbury Town|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36079235|publisher=BBC Sport|date=26 April 2016|accessdate=26 June 2016}}

Following a change in management early in the following season, Sadler found himself playing more often in a central defensive role under Paul Hurst.{{Cite web|url=http://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/shrewsbury-town-fc/2016/11/11/versatile-shrewsbury-town-defender-mat-sadler-gets-backing-from-boss-paul-hurst/|title=Shrewsbury Town defender Mat Sadler backed by Paul Hurst|work=Shropshire Star|date=11 November 2016|accessdate=4 December 2016}} He was named team-captain for the first time, in the absence of Abu Ogogo and Adam El-Abd, in February 2017,{{cite web|url=http://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/shrewsbury-town-fc/2017/02/16/mat-sadler-shrewsbury-town-must-forget-about-midweek-disappointment/|title=Mat Sadler: Shrewsbury Town must forget about midweek disappointment|work=Shropshire Star|date=15 February 2017|accessdate=19 February 2017}} and went on to win the Player of the year, Players' player of the year and Player in the community awards at the conclusion of the season, after helping Shrewsbury avoid relegation to League Two.{{cite web|url=http://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/shrewsbury-town-fc/2017/05/01/mat-sadler-stars-at-shrewsbury-town-end-of-season-awards/|title=Mat Sadler stars at Shrewsbury Town end of season awards|work=Shropshire Star|date=1 May 2017|accessdate=1 May 2017}} Sadler subsequently signed a two-year contract extension, committing him to the club until summer 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.shrewsburytown.com/news/2017/may/two-year-deal-for-sadler/|title=Two-year deal for Sadler|publisher=Shrewsweb|date=30 May 2017|accessdate=30 May 2017}}

Ahead of the 2017–18 season, Sadler was appointed club captain, alongside team captain Abu Ogogo,{{cite news|url=https://www.shrewsburytown.com/news/2017/july/gaffer-on-captain3/|title=Gaffer on Captain|publisher=Shrewsweb|date=24 July 2017|accessdate=24 July 2017}} leading the team to both the EFL Trophy final and the 2018 EFL League One play-off final, although they ultimately finished as runners-up on both occasions.

Immediately after the final match of the 2018–19, Sadler revealed that he would be leaving the club at the end of his contract, having clocked up over 200 appearances in all competitions, over two separate spells.{{cite web|url=https://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/football/shrewsbury-town-fc/2019/05/04/mat-sadler-announces-shrewsbury-town-departure/|title=Mat Sadler: I would have stayed at Shrewsbury Town|work=Shropshire Star|date=4 May 2019|accessdate=5 May 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48188090|title=Mat Sadler: Shrewsbury Town release former Birmingham City and Watford defender|date=7 May 2019|accessdate=8 May 2019|publisher=BBC Sport}}

On 11 July 2019, Sadler returned to former club Walsall following his release from Shrewsbury Town at the end of the 2018–19 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.saddlers.co.uk/news/2019/july/sadler-is-a-saddler/|title=Sadler is a Saddler!|website=saddlers.co.uk|date=11 July 2019}}

Sadler announced his retirement at the end of the 2021–22 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.saddlers.co.uk/news/2022/may/retained-and-released-list-confirmed/|title=Retained and Released list confirmed|website=saddlers.co.uk|date=11 May 2022|accessdate=11 May 2022}}

Sadler played nine times for England under-17, including at the 2002 European Under-17 championships,{{cite web |url=http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/under17/history/season=2002/round=1501/match=69490/report=ev.html |title=UEFA Under 17 European Championship: England 1–0 Yugoslavia |publisher=UEFA |accessdate=28 September 2010 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20120712190833/http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/under17/history/season=2002/round=1501/match=69490/report=ev.html |archivedate=12 July 2012}} appeared once for the under-18s, and played four times at under-19 level.{{cite web |url=http://www.thefa.com/England/All-Teams/Players?p=341545 |title=Matthew Sadler |publisher=The Football Association |accessdate=28 September 2010}} {{dead link|date=March 2020}}

On 19 April 2023, Sadler was appointed interim manager of Walsall following the departure of Michael Flynn until the end of the 2022–23 season.{{cite web |url=https://www.saddlers.co.uk/news/2023/april/club-statement-michael-flynn/ |title=Club Statement: Michael Flynn |publisher=Walsall F.C. |date=19 April 2023 |access-date=8 September 2024}} On 18 May 2023, he was appointed head coach on a permanent basis.{{cite web |url=https://www.saddlers.co.uk/news/2023/may/mat-sadler-appointed-as-new-saddlers-head-coach/ |title=Mat Sadler appointed as new Saddlers Head Coach |publisher=Walsall F.C. |date=18 May 2023 |accessdate=18 May 2023}}

On 7 January 2025, with Walsall sitting top of the league, ten points clear of second place, Sadler signed a new three-and-a-half year contract. {{cite web|url=https://www.saddlers.co.uk/news/2025/january/07/mat-sadler-puts-pen-to-paper-on-new-contract/|title=Mat Sadler puts pen to paper on new contract|website=www.saddlers.co.uk|date=7 January 2025|accessdate=7 January 2025}} Later that week, he was named EFL League Two Manager of the Month for December 2024 having won all six matches across the month. {{cite web|url=https://www.efl.com/news/2025/january/10/sky-bet-league-two--manager-and-player-of-the-month-december-winners/|title=Sky Bet League Two: Manager and Player of the Month December Winners|website=www.efl.com|date=10 January 2025|accessdate=10 January 2025}}

Sadler said in 2012 that when he retired from playing football, he might go back to education to get a degree.{{cite news|title=Town trio make grade|url=http://www.crawleynews.co.uk/town-trio-make-grade/story-17380536-detail/story.html|newspaper=Crawley News|date=21 November 2012|accessdate=26 June 2016}} He co-founded a property investment company in 2017 while still playing for Shrewsbury Town.{{cite news|url=https://solihullobserver.co.uk/news/former-birmingham-city-launches-new-property-business-to-help-investors-avoid-own-goals/|title=Former Birmingham City launches new property business to help investors avoid own goals|newspaper=Solihull Observer|date=10 February 2017|accessdate=12 February 2017}}

{{updated|match played 20 April 2021}}

{{notelist}}

{{updated|match played 21 April 2025}}

Shrewsbury Town

• EFL Trophy runner-up: 2017–18{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43674770 |title=Lincoln City 1–0 Shrewsbury Town |first=Ged |last=Scott |publisher=BBC Sport |date=8 April 2018 |accessdate=17 May 2018}}

Individual

• EFL League Two Manager of the Month: December 2024

{{reflist}}

• [https://www.shrewsburytown.com/teams/first-team/defender/mat-sadler/ Mat Sadler profile] at the Shrewsbury Town F.C. website
• {{Soccerbase}}

{{Shrewsbury Town F.C. Player of the Year}}

{{Walsall F.C. squad}}

{{Walsall F.C. managers}}

{{EFL League Two managers}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sadler, Mat}}

Category:1985 births

Category:Living people

Category:Footballers from Birmingham, West Midlands

Category:English men's footballers

Category:England men's youth international footballers

Category:Men's association football defenders

Category:Birmingham City F.C. players

Category:Northampton Town F.C. players

Category:Watford F.C. players

Category:Stockport County F.C. players

Category:Shrewsbury Town F.C. players

Category:Walsall F.C. players

Category:Crawley Town F.C. players

Category:Rotherham United F.C. players

Category:Oldham Athletic A.F.C. players

Category:Premier League players

Category:English Football League players

Category:Walsall F.C. managers

Category:English Football League managers

Category:21st-century English sportsmen