Mat Sadler is named as Captain for the 2018/19 season
Shrewsbury Town are delighted to announce that Mat Sadler will Captain the side for the 2018/19 Sky Bet League One season.
The 33-year-old, who was Club Captain and Vice-Captain last season, has been chosen as the man to lead out the team on matchday.
For Sadler, this will be his 5th season as a Shrewsbury Town player and he admits that it’s a real honour to be named as Team Captain.
“I’m chuffed to bits”, Mat told ShrewsWeb.
“It’s a big honour for me, I’m really proud to do it, really proud for the manager to give it to me. The manager told me yesterday that that was who he was going with, so I was obviously delighted.
“I’ve said many times how much I love the football club and it’s an honour to be captain of this football club going into a new era, an exciting era.”
Mat led Shrewsbury out a number of times last season due to the absence of Abu Ogogo, but he is looking forward to doing it on a permanent basis this time around.
“Towards the end of the season Abs was injured so I got that taste anyway and thoroughly enjoyed it”, Sadler said.
“Whenever I’ve been given that opportunity to be Captain I’ve loved it. I love leading everybody out and look forward to doing that as many times as I can this season.
“But, to reiterate again, I am just proud to be given the opportunity by the manager, thankful that he’s bestowed that on me and I will do everything I possibly can to fill that role as best as I can.”
Sadler has played 178 times for the club, over 50 more than his nearest challenger Shaun Whalley, and he expressed the feelings he has towards the town.
“I love the football club”, admitted Mat.
“There’s been ups and there’s been downs throughout my time here, but consistently I’ve maintained the real enjoyment of playing for the club and it’s become part of me now.
“It’s strange how clubs can do that to you. Growing up I was a Birmingham fan, but it’s strange how a club can get under your skin and Shrewsbury Town most certainly has.”