Former Rangers and Leeds United star ends free agency and signs for hometown club in emotional move
The striker has played for the likes of Rangers, Leeds United and Derby County in an impressive career.
A former Rangers and Leeds United star has ended his stint in free agency by signing a short-term deal at his hometown club.
Kemar Roofe, when fit, has proven himself a reliable goalscorer and played a part in Rangers’ Premiership title win in 2021. He has EFL experience at the likes of Leeds United and most recently Derby County, but injuries have proven problematic and he’s spent this term as a free agent.
Walsall have now moved to sign him on a short term deal until January initially. It’s an emotional move for the striker who is now buzzing to get started at a place where early football memories were forged.
Who does Kemar Roofe play for now?
Roofe said: “I'm really happy to have signed for Walsall. It’s my hometown club so it means that little bit more to me and I feel even more at home now having built relationships at the training ground – the staff and players have been amazing with me and I just can’t wait to get stuck in and help the team and the club achieve its goals.
“My football journey probably started at Walsall l when I was five - I've got pictures of me at the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium doing the penalty shootout at halftime so to be able to remember that moment and kind of do a full circle is amazing so hopefully I'll be able to do what I did back then and score some goals for the Saddlers.
“I spoke with the gaffer at length and he’s given me lots of confidence – he’s told me to bring what I usually do with my quality and experience and help the team push forward. I’m excited to see what the future brings and I just can’t wait to get started.”
Why Walsall have signed Kemar Roofe
Boss Mat Sadler added: “I’m really pleased that the deal's over the line. Everyone knows Kemar's name in English football because he's a fantastic striker and has been throughout his career. He's still very, very hungry to achieve things and he's only 32 so there's loads left in the tank which is exciting from my point of view.
“It’s important to recognise with Kemar that he's working through fitness - I wouldn’t expect him to come and play 90 minutes off the bat. We need to look after him and make sure we manage him in the right way but what’s been amazing to see for me is that we’ve got to know each other over the last few weeks, got to know his strengths and all of that and he’s been working really hard - he's desperate to be here.
“It’s another really good option for us at that top end of the pitch and something that we all know we wanted, that extra body in the building and hopefully Kemar can continue to show what a great career he's had. He's a great guy, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with him so far and I look forward to working with him further.”