Newly signed Walsall midfielder George Dobson, who joined the club on a two-and-a-half year deal from Sparta Rotterdam, has spoken to club journalists and discussed his delight as he makes a welcome return to the Midlands.
Dobson, who spent the entire 2016/17 on loan with the Saddlers from then parent club West Ham United, joined the club yesterday after leaving Rotterdam by mutual consent earlier in the week.
Speaking via the club's official website Saddlers.co.uk, the 20-year-old admitted that he found it difficult playing so far from home and jumped at the chance to come back to the Banks's, he said; "It was completely different playing in Holland. The playing style was different and it was tough living away from home. It was a completely different lifestyle. When I was playing it was really good, and when I was out of the team I found it quite tough. It was an experience that I’m really glad I had.
"I got to experience playing in a top foreign league and against some top teams in Holland. It’s something I definitely don’t regret, but once I got the opportunity to come back I jumped at it."
The former Arsenal youth prospect is happy to be back among friends, and wants to hit the ground running as he bids for a place in midfield, he continued; "I spoke to Joe the other day and he couldn’t believe I was coming back! He said he was happy for me and I’ll meet the rest of the boys today. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone. There’ll be a few familiar faces and a few new ones. There won’t really be a settling in period, which will be good as I can go straight in and focus on my football.
"You need to make sure you give everything you can to impress the manager and the other coaches to get yourself into their thoughts to get into the starting team. To get into the team is obviously my aim and I’m really, really looking forward to it."