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, but lost his place in the first-team after a run of poor personal form. 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. Sadler later scored his second goal of the season on 26 April 2016, in a 2–1 loss against Walsall. Following a change in management early in the following season, Sadler found himself playing more often in a central defensive role under Paul Hurst. He was named team-captain for the first time, in the absence of Abu Ogogo and Adam El-Abd, in 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. Sadler subsequently signed a two-year contract extension, committing him to the club until summer 2019. Ahead of the 2017–18 season, Sadler was appointed club captain, alongside team captain Abu Ogogo, 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. Return to Walsall On 11 July 2019, Sadler returned to former club Walsall following his release from Shrewsbury Town at the end of the 2018–19 season. Sadler announced his retirement at the end of the 2021–22 season. International career Sadler played nine times for England under-17, including at the 2002 European Under-17 championships, appeared once for the under-18s, and played four times at under-19 level. Personal life Sadler said in 2012 that when he retired from playing football, he might go back to education to get a degree. He co-founded a property investment company in 2017 while still playing for Shrewsbury Town. Career statistics Honours Shrewsbury Town EFL Trophy runner-up: 2017–18 References External links Mat Sadler profile at the Shrewsbury Town F.C. website 1985 births Living people Footballers from Birmingham, West Midlands English footballers England youth international footballers Association football defenders Birmingham City