Walsall Football Club have today confirmed their new captain ahead of the 2014/15 Sky Bet League One season.33-year-old Adam Chambers will wear the captains armband, replacing Andy Butler who departed for Sheffield United in the summer.
Chambers' career began at Grove Vale F.C in 1996, before signing for West Bromwich Albion as an apprentice in July 1997.After progressing through Albion's youth system, he turned professional in January 1999.
In the 1998/99 season Adam and his brother James became the first twins to represent England at any level when they appeared together during the World Youth Tournament in Nigeria.
Adam made his first team debut for Albion on 9 September 2000, coming on as a substitute in a 0–0 draw away at Stockport County.
Adam played more than 60 times for Albion, but often struggled to hold down a first team place. During the 2003/04 season, he went on loan to Sheffield Wednesday. In February 2005, his contract at Albion was terminated by mutual consent, and he briefly joined Kidderminster Harriers.
After Injury ruled him out of the 2005–06 season completely Adam signed a one-year contract with Leyton Orient at the beginning of the 2006/07 campaign. On 5 February 2007, Chambers signed a two and a half year contract which keeps him at the club until the end of the 2008–09 season. Chambers scored his first goal for 15 months in the 2–1 defeat to Southend United on December 28, 2009 with a 20 yard volley.
After being released by the Orient at the end of the 2010/11 season, Adam signed for Walsall in July 2011 on a one-year deal, with an option of a further year. Adam made a successful start to his Saddlers career by scoring on his competitive debut against former club Orient with a stunning top corner drive.
Adam has gone on to establish himself as a first team regular at the club and is many supporters' first name on the team-sheet, also penning a new two-year deal in 2013.
Adam spoke to saddlers.co.uk about today's news; "I'm extremely proud. It's a real honour for me, particularly as there were a number of worthy candidates for the role.
"As one of the senior players I always try to do my bit for the team and help the younger lads, but I am relishing this added responsibility. We've got a talented group here and it's up to people like myself to help push us on.
"The new lads that have come in over the summer have settled in really well. This is a good environment to come into and as a group we are looking forward to what the season holds in store.
"League One is a tough division where everyone is capable of beating each other. Hopefully we can find that level of consistency which will serve us well.
"We know that we will go into games well-prepared and the aim is to be able to stamp our style on things."
The club also revealed that former West Bromwich Albion defender Paul Downing will be taking up the role of vice captain.
Downing came through the ranks at The Hawthorns, signing pro terms in 2009, he never made a first team appearance for the Baggies but did gain experience during loan spells with, Hereford United, Rotherham United, Shrewsbury Town and Barnet.
22-year-old Downing had originally signed a one-year contract at the club following a successful trial spell in August 2012, but following several impressive performances he went on to sign a one-year deal, which was followed up by by a further deal last year.