Aden Flint has signed for Rochdale on a short-term deal until January, just days after facing them as a free agent. The 37-year-old defender was released by Walsall at the end of last season, where he was a near-ever-present figure.
Flint's summer wait
Flint admitted his search for a new club had been a long one. "It's been a frustrating summer waiting for the right opportunity and I'm grateful to come and play here," he said. The veteran brings extensive EFL experience from spells with Bristol City, Middlesbrough and Cardiff City.
Rochdale's defensive need
Rochdale, newly promoted back to the EFL, have won just one of their opening five league games this season. They will hope Flint's presence can solidify a defence that conceded four goals in their first six matches. The defender is keen to contribute both on and off the pitch. "I'm looking forward to helping the lads out - I've got good experience to use on and off the pitch," Flint added.
Walsall's solid start
Walsall, meanwhile, have begun the new campaign strongly without Flint. They are fifth in League Two with 10 points from six games, having scored eight goals and conceded just four. Their most recent outing was a 0-0 draw against this same Rochdale side on 12 September, a match Flint watched from the stands. The Saddlers are currently on a five-game unbeaten run, with form reading DDDWD.
Flint's contract with Rochdale runs until the January transfer window, with his debut likely to come in their next League Two fixture.
