Short-term contract signed as 33-goal ex-Leeds United striker joins League Two side
A couple of former Leeds United strikers have found new homes in the EFL this week.
Former Leeds United striker Kemar Roofe has signed a short-term contract with League Two outfit Walsall.
Roofe had been without a club since leaving Championship side Derby County at the end of last season, having joined as a free agent in February. The experienced striker was unable to make an impact at Pride Park due to a hamstring injury and registered just three appearances.
The 32-year-old, who scored 33 goals in 123 games for Leeds between 2016 and 2019, posted a picture of himself training in Walsall gear last month, sparking rumours of a return to his boyhood club. And that was confirmed over the weekend with a contract until January signed.
"I'm really happy to have signed for Walsall," Roofe said. "It's my hometown club so it means that little bit more to me. I spoke with the gaffer [Mat Sadler] 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."
Head Coach Mat Sadler added: “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.”
Kemar Roofe’s Walsall debut ends in defeat
Roofe was fit enough to be involved on Saturday but did not enjoy a dream debut as Walsall lost 2-0 at home to Colchester, falling from the top of League Two as a result. The former Leeds striker got 14 minutes off the bench but his side were two goals down by that point and unable to turn the tide.
The Jamaican international now has a further week to build fitness before travelling up towards familiar surroundings next weekend. Walsall face Harrogate Town in North Yorkshire on Saturday lunchtime.
In signing for Walsall, Roofe became the second former Leeds striker to find a new home in the EFL this week. His one-time chief rival for the Whites No.9 spot, Patrick Bamford, also signed a short-term deal with Championship strugglers Sheffield United.
Bamford mutually agreed to have his Leeds contract cut 12 months short in the summer after it became clear he was not in Daniel Farke’s plans. The 32-year-old had been training with Coventry City but made the surprise move to Bramall Lane on Thursday, where he will play under Chris Wilder.