FOOTBALL-Matt signs a one-year deal with Walsall.

LONDON, CMC—Jamaica-born striker Jamille Matt said he was delighted to have signed fresh terms for one year with English League 2 outfit Walsall and is determined to achieve something special with his “hometown club.”

The 34-year-old initially moved to the Poundland Bescot Stadium in January last year and has played 53 times for Walsall.

“I’m delighted to get it sorted,” Matt said about contract talks. “Since the end of the season, I’ve been speaking to the gaffer [head coach], and it’s the only place I wanted to be. I didn’t want to move on after last season.

“I want to build on last year, especially the second half, given how we played. I think there are some good foundations there to kick on and do even better next year.”

Matt scored several crucial goals for the Saddlers, as Walsall is known, during his time in WS1 [postal code for the area], particularly in the second half of last season when he enjoyed a good run of form.

“I’ve always said that I want to be successful for the club – and that’s why I signed here,” he added.

“I’ve achieved some decent success at this level, but it would be the best feeling of all if I can do it with my ‘hometown club,’ so that’s why I’m here and I want to keep doing well for the club.

“I’m looking forward to next season now and seeing what we can achieve.”

Matt was a popular figure in the dressing room last term and brought a wealth of valuable experience to the side after he won the League 2 title with Forest Green Rovers two years ago and reached the League 2 play-off final with Newport County five years ago.

Head coach Mat Sadler welcomed Matt back and said he would be an integral part of the squad once again next season.

“I’m delighted Jamille continues his journey with us, and I think it’s a fantastic start to the additions we want to make,” Sadler said.

“The effect he has in the dressing room, the positive mentality that he pushes across the place, coupled with how he can completely dominate defenses, meant that I wanted to tie him down with us as soon as possible.”

Sadler continued: “The way he occupies defenses, I thought his display against Mansfield was a real turning point in his season.

“The way he dominated one of the best defenses in the division that day showed everyone what Jamille is all about, and we can look forward to more of those dominant performances throughout the season.”