Mat Sadler: I want to make it third time lucky with Walsall at Wembley

Walsall have played at the national stadium just once previously - losing 2-0 against Bristol City in the EFL Trophy final under Dean Smith. 

Sadler also played there twice with Shrewsbury Town in 2018 but was on the losing side on both occasions. 

Now, the Walsall boss will be looking to surpass his old mentor Smith and end that losing trend by making it 'third time lucky' in the dugout in the League Two play-off final. 

"It was a great experience building into it and it's a great place to play football," Sadler recalled. 

"I'm not going to downplay that because there's a reason why people want to play at Wembley. 

"There's songs written about it. For me, I want to be on the right side of the result there, and have that experience, because I've had a couple of experiences that you don't want. 

"I'd love the third time lucky to be the experience that you do want." 

Sadler made both of his Wembley appearances in a matter of months. Shrewsbury were beaten 1-0 by Lincoln City in the EFL Trophy final and fell to a 2-1 defeat against Rotherham United in the League One play-off final several weeks later. 

The latter still brought up special memories for him. He was captain on the day, just as he had been in their two-legged semi-final against Charlton Athletic, and played his part in Shrewsbury's equaliser with an exquisite no-look pass for Alex Rodman to score. 

Of course Sadler didn't mention it, he has and never will be one to indulge in his own success. 

When asked why he didn't, Sadler preferred to stay coy, although he did admit that he secretly shows his son on a regular basis. 

"I am [humble about it]," he reveals. "When I'm with my son, I've shown him that many times. That was great and it was very well worked by Paul Hurst." 

As for his family, that has always been the driving force behind everything for Sadler. 

Eventually football boils down to memories and Sadler was able to share a special moment with his family in the aftermath of Walsall's famous win over Chesterfield last Friday. 

There was an incredible outpouring of emotion after the final whistle and Sadler enjoyed a warm embrace with his close family and friends pitch-side. 

Not only is his family a primary source of motivation, but they also offer perspective whenever football turns into the all-consuming world that it naturally becomes. 

That doesn't mean that Sadler and his family have not experienced the tough moments together. He is quick to remember that and always tries to never lose sight of that. 

"I'm very lucky that my family are there anyway," he said with a proud smile. "They're always there for me and travel to all the games. 

"So I'm very fortunate to have a very close family, a wife that is unwavering in her support and kids that are along with the journey. 

"My son is football mad, the girls are sick of it, but they're all there together. You speak about pride, of course it's your family, and they're the most important people to you.