Byfield was the Millennium Stadium hero for Walsall in 2001

Darren Byfield has re-joined Walsall on a five-month contract after being released by Oldham Athletic.

The 32-year-old returns to the club where he became a folk hero after scoring the winning goal in the 2001 play-off final win over Reading.

"We are delighted to have secured Darren's services," said Saddlers boss Chris Hutchings.

"He is a player that our supporters know all about and has scored goals wherever he has been."

Byfield made 92 appearances in his previous three-year spell at the Banks's Stadium before moving to Rotherham United.

I need to get games under my belt, then the Walsall fans will see the best of me Darren Byfield

Since then he has played for Saturday's opponents Gillingham, Sunderland, Millwall and Bristol City before joining Oldham, initially on loan.

"I can't stop smiling, I'm really glad to be back and always knew that I'd return here," said Byfield.

"I just need to get games under my belt and then the Walsall fans will see the best of me," added the former Aston Villa striker.

Byfield adds to Hutchings' strike options, joining Sam Parkin, Steve Jones and Troy Deeney in the Saddlers squad.

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