Albert Adomah Aims for Promotion and 800 EFL Appearances with Walsall
Albert Adomah is optimistic that his 700th EFL appearance marks a significant step towards promotion with Walsall.
The seasoned former Ghana international achieved this milestone as a second-half substitute during the 1-1 draw against Shrewsbury last Saturday, coinciding with his 38th birthday.
Adomah now has his sights set on reaching 800 appearances before concluding his career and believes that helping the Saddlers secure promotion to League One would be the ideal way to celebrate his remarkable journey.
"Of course, 800 would be another landmark, but 700 EFL games is a significant milestone as well. I just have to keep going, and I must be doing something right," Adomah told BBC WM.
"It's nice for this 700th appearance to fall on my birthday too. It is another landmark, and I hope to accumulate more appearances in the EFL."
This season has been filled with milestones for Adomah, who netted his 100th career goal in September.
Walsall led League Two for a significant portion of the 2024-25 season but fell into the play-offs in the final weeks, ultimately losing to AFC Wimbledon in the final at Wembley.
Now, Mat Sadler's team is once again at the top of League Two this season, determined not to squander another prime opportunity for promotion.
"Promotion would be incredible, and I am not hesitant to say that is our target," Adomah stated. "After last year's disappointment, we are aiming to perform better, so hopefully, achieving promotion—whether automatic or otherwise—will be our ultimate goal now."
Aiming for 800
Adomah's 700 EFL appearances do not include two Premier League matches with Middlesbrough or play-off appearances, leaving him significantly behind Peter Shilton's record of 1,005 appearances.
Grimsby legend Tony Ford holds the record for an outfield player with 931 appearances.
"Chasing 800 would be the next objective for me," Adomah remarked. "That would be another milestone to pursue—800 appearances in total or 800 league games. I hope to make a few more appearances before the season concludes."
Most EFL Appearances
1,005: Peter Shilton
931: Tony Ford
824: Terry Paine
820: Dean Lewington
800: Graham Alexander
794: Tommy Hutchison
791: Luke Chambers
781: Robbie James
776: Alan Oakes, Peter Clarke
770: John Trollope
764: Jimmy Dickinson
760: Mick Tait, Roy Sproson
758: Billy Bonds, Ray Clemence
757: Pat Jennings, Frank Worthington