Walsall have completed the signing of defender Chris Hussey on a one-year contract from fellow League Two side Stockport County, according to the club’s official website.
Hussey amassed 37 appearances across all competitions last season, providing four goals and six assists in a consistent season for the 34-year-old.
The defender played an integral part in Stockport’s League Two campaign, and helped County reach the play-off final. Hussey would start all three play-off matches and played every single minute including extra time. Stockport fought back from a 1-0 defeat at Salford before equalling that scoreline at Edgeley Park and then progressing to the play-off final by winning on penalties. The play-off final against Carlisle would also go to penalties, but this time Stockport would lose 5-4, confirming their League Two status for a second season.
Although the defender racked up over 3,000 minutes for County last season, he will be moving on from Edgeley Park this summer after the expiration of his contract. Walsall will be looking to reinvigorate themselves after a disappointing 16th place last season. With new manager Mat Sadler in charge, and now a statement signing in Hussey, the Saddlers will be looking to challenge for promotion next season in an ultra-competitive League Two.
Who is Chris Hussey?
Hussey can certainly be described as a journeyman having already played for 12 clubs in a spectacular 16 year career. With over 450 competitive appearances to his name, Hussey has a wealth of experience at a very good level. The defender has played in each of the Championship, League One and League Two, making 48, 84 and 272 appearances in those leagues respectively. His long list of clubs includes stints with;AFC Wimbledon, Coventry City, Burton Albion, Bury, Sheffield United , Swindon, Cheltenham Town, Port Vale and then most recently Stockport County. Hussey can play both as a centre-half as well as a left-back and his versatility will certainly be utilised at Walsall. Although his best years are behind him, the defender still has plenty to give, as showcased by his performances for Stockport last season.
What’s been said?
On joining the Saddlers, Hussey said:
“I’m delighted to join Walsall.
“I like to get forward, get crosses in, defend well and give it my all – which I do every day. Every day is a work day, you’re a by-product of what you do in the week and if you work hard in the week, you get your rewards on a Saturday.
“Mat Sadler wants good people in the building and I was genuinely on board with that because if you have good people around you, obviously you need good players, but first and foremost, the emphasis is on getting good people in the building which I think is massive.”
Speaking on the signing of the experienced defender, Mat Sadler said:
“He is somebody with a high pedigree in this division and the one above. He has a lovely left foot, will compliment what we’ve got in the defensive areas really well and has fantastic set piece delivery.
“He’s the right type of person, the right type of character and he wants to get further promotions in his career.
“It’s also worth highlighting what he brings amongst all of that – he brings balance to the team, he’s a good person to have around the place because he’s demanding of himself and demanding of others which is something that we’ll need in the squad and he’ll form a key part of the group.”
Writer’s view
Hussey will be an essential player for Walsall next season and his experience will greatly help the younger players at the club. They’ll be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2022/23 season, and the way they’ve gone about their business so far this summer, they could do just that. The versatility of Hussey will come in good use, especially as we’ve not seen what Mat Sadler’s tactics and set-up will be just yet. I expect a better season from the Saddlers next season and they could be in the mix for the play-offs.
