By Neil Ravenscroft
August 25 2004

The Saddlers FC can reveal that Ugandan defender Joel Kitamirike has arrived from Chelsea on trial, as Paul Merson looks to strengthen hios shaky defence. Kitamirike has been deemed as surplus to requirements at Chelsea, which is hardly surprising considering their embarrassment of riches. The 20 year old is a defender, of dual English/Ugandan nationality, something which has prevented him playing for Uganda so far, as they have a rule about players with dual citzenship appearing for them. He has always refused to renounce his English citizenship, despite being asked to do so.

He was lined up for a move to Holland, according to his personal web site, but that fell through:-

"I can confirm that my proposed move to Willem II in Holland has fallen through. I was keen to join them but, unfortunately, the contract they offered me just wasn't right. But the good news is that I am now at Walsall on trial. I'll be training with them over the next few days and will then play in a match for them on Wednesday of next week. If I can impress the manager, Paul Merson, hopefully he will offer me a permanent deal.
Although Walsall were relegated to Football League One last season, they are still a good club. Paul Merson is an absolute legend and still looks like a quality player in training. It would be great to work with him.
He said that he needed to see me play before he can give me a contract, so it's up to me to play well and show him that I can do a good job for the team. I'll know straight after that match whether I will be joining permanently.
The most important thing for me at this stage of my career is to be playing regular football and hopefully Walsall will offer me the chance to do just that".

Kitamirike did spend some 20 odd games on loan at Brentford last season.