Walsall goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, who recently joined on a free transfer from Charlton Athletic, has spoken to the local press and revealed that he turned down moves to Sky Bet Championship sides in favour of first-team football with the Saddlers.
Speaking to the Joseph Masi of the Express & Star, Neil said; “I had offers in the Championship and that was flattering because it’s always nice when teams come in for you.
“But I had to be realistic with myself, I had to ask myself the question ‘would I be playing week in, week out?’
“Chances are, with the financial budget clubs at that level have, they would have bought someone else in who would have come in to play ahead of me, someone with more experience.
“All managers in the Championship or Premier League like their goalkeepers to have experience so there is no doubt that Walsall is the right club for me.
“With the manager and goalkeeping coach here I can develop and also be part of a successful side.”
“But I had to be realistic with myself, I had to ask myself the question ‘would I be playing week in, week out?’
“Chances are, with the financial budget clubs at that level have, they would have bought someone else in who would have come in to play ahead of me, someone with more experience.
“All managers in the Championship or Premier League like their goalkeepers to have experience so there is no doubt that Walsall is the right club for me.
“With the manager and goalkeeping coach here I can develop and also be part of a successful side.”
SOURCE: JOSEPH MASI/EXPRESS & STAR