Ryan Stirk explains how Mat Sadler has unlocked his best form at Walsall

The midfielder, who arrived from Birmingham City as the first signing of the Sadler era in 2023, is one of only two Walsall players to start every game in League Two so far this term. 

Stirk made 37 league appearances during his debut season at Bescot - registering three goals and five assists, but was restricted to just one start in three months at the turn of the year in 2024 after suffering an ankle injury. 

He regained his place when Jack Earing was ruled out with a hamstring injury in March and has firmly established himself in the deep-lying midfield role this season at the expense of Brandon Comley who has also been plagued by injury. 

The 24-year-old has blossomed into one of Sadler's most trusted lieutenants on the pitch and feels that his role in the team has allowed him to showcase his main qualities.

"When the gaffer gave me that role and that responsibility. It was a different role to last year but I'm happy to play there and I feel comfortable there," Stirk noted.

"With the way that we play, I can get up and help press, I can do multiple things which allow me to show the player that I am. That's what has been the difference this season.

"Mat Sadler has helped me a lot. First and foremost, he has put that trust in me to go and play a lot of games. I think that's what I needed after leaving Birmingham and I am thankful for the belief that he has shown in me."

Stirk opened his goal scoring account for the season in Walsall's 5-1 win over Tranmere Rovers at Bescot earlier this month as they registered a club record eighth consecutive league victory. 

Walsall extended that run to nine with a 4-2 crushing of MK Dons on Saturday to maintain their 12-point lead at the League Two summit but Stirk insists feet are remaining firmly on the ground.

"It's just business as usual. We don't really look at runs or what we've done. We've just focused on each game at a time," he continued. 

"We've spoken about back-to-back wins and we've been trying to put them together. After two games, we start and try to get back-to-back again. 

"I feel like that's been a little target for us and it's helped us a long the way. Yes, we're at the top of the table and everyone can see that but we're just taking it game by game at the minute.

"Speak about each game at a time, set targets, achieve those targets and go again. That's the best way in this league because it's not going to be straightforward. 

"We know that it's going to be a tough second half to the season and if we can focus on ourselves and what we do each week then I feel that can take us somewhere."