By RICHARD WILLIAMS
14 December 2006
Hector Sam is just happy to have the chance of lining up for Walsall against former club Wrexham at The Racecourse Ground on Saturday.
Trinidad
and Tobago international Sam, who joined the Reds in the summer of 2000 from San
Juan Jabloteh for a six-figure sum, made the switch to current League Two
leaders Walsall in the summer having spent one-season at Port Vale following his
release by the Reds.
Having only made a handful of appearances at Port Vale before breaking his leg
last season, Sam is delighted to have made a full recovery and the 28-year-old
is enjoying it at Richard Money’s Walsall who hold a seven-point lead at the top
of the table.
“I was involved at the start of last season with Port Vale, was doing well but
not getting the rewards for that,” said Sam, who has scored four goals in 15
league starts, today.
“And then I broke my leg and was out for nearly 10 months. So just to be able to
play again is great.
“I was happy to sign for Walsall. They are a big club, have a good manager and
he wanted me to come here, so I was happy to join.
“I like it at Walsall. We got off to an excellent start this season and have
managed to keep it going. So far, so good – now we have to make sure we finish
the job off. I am playing well, have got four goals and am enjoying my football
again.
“But there are five strikers here so there is a lot of competition for places.
You have to be playing well and working hard in training to keep your spot in
the team.” Sam spent five seasons at The Racecourse, scoring 35 goals in 150
league appearances – many as substitute – for Wrexham, and is indebted to the
Reds for giving him the chance to play in British football.
“I enjoyed it at Wrexham. Wrexham gave me the first opportunity to play over
here and I will always be grateful for that,” said Sam.
“I got some goals and the fans were great, though I used to get a bit of stick
sometimes but that is part of football.
“I had some of the best times of my career at Wrexham and it was nice to be part
of the LDV Vans Trophy success and a promotion. I was sorry to leave but needed
a change.”
Sam missed out on facing his former club last season when Wrexham were drawn
against Port Vale in the FA Cup first round – but Sam was sidelined with injury
– and the frontman can’t wait for Saturday’s match.
“I could not play last season so this is the first chance I will get to play
against Wrexham,” added Sam.
“I will enjoy coming back and seeing lads such as Darren Ferguson, Juan Ugarte
and Chris Llewellyn – and the gaffer and Rooster.
“I made some great friends at Wrexham and they were a good bunch of lads. I am
looking forward to the game.” Sam came on for the start of the second half when
Walsall suffered just their second league defeat of the season against Swindon
Town at The Besott Stadium last Saturday but is in the reckoning for a starting
place on Saturday.