Walsall F.C.

Infobox Football club
clubname = Walsall


fullname = Walsall Football Club
nickname = The Saddlers
sponsor = Easy Fit Conservatories
founded = 1888 (as Walsall Town Swifts)
ground = Bescot Stadium, Walsall
capacity = 11,300
chairman = flagicon|England Jeff Bonser
manager = flagicon|England Jimmy Mullen
league = League One
season = 2007-08
position = League One, 12th
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leftarm1=FFFFFF|body1=FFFFFF|rightarm1=FFFFFF|shorts1=FF0000|socks1=FF0000
pattern_la2=|pattern_b2=|pattern_ra2=
leftarm2=3333FF|body2=3333FF|rightarm2=3333FF|shorts2=FBEC5D|socks2=3333FF

Walsall Football Club are an English football club based in Walsall, West Midlands, currently playing in League One.

Walsall moved into their Bescot Stadium in 1990, having previously played at nearby Fellows Park. Their opening game was a friendly fixture against local rivals Aston Villa, with Villa winning 4–0. The ground is now known as Banks's Stadium for sponsorship purposes.cite news
title = Walsall rename ground Banks's Stadium
url = http://www.football-shirts.co.uk/fans/125
publisher = Football Shirts
date = 2007-05-11
accessdate =2007-05-11]

History

Walsall were formed in 1888 when Walsall Town F.C. and Walsall Swifts F.C. amalgamated. They were first admitted to the Football League in 1892, as founder members of the new Second Division.

Walsall's finest hour came in January 1933 when they beat the great Arsenal side of that era in the FA Cup. In more recent years the club came within minutes of reaching Wembley Stadium, losing 4–2 on aggregate to the mighty Liverpool in 1984. This run involved another famous victory over Arsenal, this time at Highbury, and culminated with a spirited 2–2 draw at Anfield, before they lost 2–0 in the second leg.

The true Golden Age of the Club lies in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Under the management of Bill Moore, the club rocketed from the lower reaches of the bottom of the league ladder to the mid-table of the Second Division in the space of three seasons. Club legends such as Bill 'Chopper' Guttridge, Tony Richards and Colin Taylor were intrinsically important to the success of the side.

The club has always had a rich history of producing players who go on to play at the top level. Allan Clarke went on to win the League Championship under Don Revie at Leeds United after beginning life at Fellows Park. Bert Williams and Phil Parkes both became England Goalkeepers in the years after they progressed from their roots in Walsall. David Kelly had a long career at the top level after leaving Walsall in 1988, representing the Republic of Ireland at the very highest level of international football. More recently, Michael Ricketts represented England after blossoming at Bolton Wanderers. In recent years, Matty Fryatt and Ishmel Demontagnac have both represented England age-groups.

In the 1980s were a period of considerable activity for Walsall FC. In addition to cup runs in the League Cup and the FA Cup, they were bought by millionaire entrepreneur and race-horse owner Terry Ramsden in 1986. With his money came high profile signings and the attention of the national media. Walsall earned promotion through the old Division Three play-offs in 1988, but the sale of the inspirational David Kelly was followed by a disastrous two years where two managers came and went and Ramsden's business empire collapsed.

After being saved from extinction by local businessman Barrie Blower in 1989, the club moved to the Bescot Stadium in 1990. At the time it was a state-of-the-art arena, and was only the second new Football League ground since the 1950s. A Morrison's supermarket was built on the site of the old Fellows Park ground.

The arrival at Bescot Stadium saw some stability brought back to the club after two successive relegations. Ex-Wolves star Kenny Hibbitt managed the club for four years, setting the groundwork for a golden era for the club that would follow soon after his dismissal in September 1994.

New manager Chris Nicholl led the club to promotion in his first season, building the nucleus of a strong and under-rated team. Two seasons of stability followed, before Nicholl left, citing family reasons and the fact that he felt the club had progressed as far as he could take it on the limited funds available to a lower-league football club.

Ex-Ajax and Danish International Jan Sorensen took the helm after Nicholl's resignation in the summer of 1997. Whilst 'The Saddlers' finished a dismal 19th in Division Two that season, the club reached the 4th Round of the Coca-Cola League Cup (beating Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United along the way), as well as rampaging through the early rounds of the FA Cup. Lincoln United were dispatched in the first round, whilst league newcomers Macclesfield Town (who until then had been unbeaten at home in all competitions) were destroyed 7–0. Peterborough United, who themselves have a rich cup pedigree, were beaten on a bitterly cold Tuesday evening to set up an interesting tie away at Premiership Champions, Manchester United. Walsall lost 5–1.

Sorensen's tenure was marked by the signing of two of the finest players ever to pull on a Walsall shirt. Ivory Coast born striker Roger Boli started the season in superb form, becoming a marked man for much of the season which dampened his predatory instincts. However, Boli's fellow Frenchman, Jean Francois 'Jeff' Peron was a shining light in an otherwise poor league. Despite being 32 when arriving in England, Bescot was home to scouts from the Premiership and Division One as Peron's reputation grew. Though he only scored one goal in his solitary season for The Saddlers, he is best remembered for his mesmerising ability with the ball at his feet and the exceptional performance which tore Macclesfield Town to pieces in the aforementioned FA Cup tie.

1998-99 began with another new manager and 10 new signings. Ex-Aston Villa winger Ray Graydon arrived and transformed the club from a popular, yet poorly organised, club into a disciplined and effective force in Division Two. Walsall were inspired by former Oldham Athletic and Everton left-back Neil Pointon, the talismanic striker Andy Rammell, new signing Darren Wrack, and the ever-dependable Jimmy Walker in between the sticks - achieving the massive feat of finishing as runner-up to big-spending Fulham in the final table. The achievement was made even more remarkable as The Saddlers finished above big-spending Manchester City, Wigan Athletic and Staffordshire rivals Stoke City.cite news|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-60328191.html|title=Up where we belong! Graydon upsets the odds to take Walsall into Division One. |date=1999-05-19|publisher=Birmingham Evening Mail (England)|accessdate=2008-07-05]

Promotion was followed by a heartbreaking last-day relegation from Division One. During the season Walsall had clung on to their First Division status, defeating local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers, Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion along the way. Relegation at Ipswich Town on the final day was a bitter-blow to a group of players who played beyond their ability and to their absolute limits all season.

However, The Saddlers returned to the second-tier of English Football at the first attempt, defeating Reading 3–2, after extra time, in a thrilling Play-off final at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/1352124.stm|title=Walsall break Reading hearts|date=2001-05-27|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-07-05] After a promising start to the season, the form began to slip away over the winter period. However, the signings of Fitzroy Simpson and Don Goodman added much needed steel to the side and spured them on to reach the promised land of Division One once again.

Despite all the success he had delivered, it soon became clear that Ray Graydon had reached the end of the road at the club. In a controversial decision that brought with it the wrath of fans and the national media, owner Jeff Bonser dismissed Graydon after an abject performance against local rivals, West Bromwich Albion. His replacement, ex-Wolves manager Colin Lee polarised supporters, but ultimately proved to be a success. The style of football improved, and Lee's signings improved the team dramatically. Relegation was avoided thanks to vital away wins against Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United, and the new spirit in the squad was typified by a vital last-gasp equaliser away at fellow strugglers Grimsby Town (who also beat the drop).

The next two seasons were a mixed bag. Lee improved the club immeasurably off the field, allowing it to fulfill part of the huge potential it has. On the pitch some rather dull performances were dotted in between some inspiring football. Again, relegation was avoided in the 2002–03 season because of the signing of key players, such as ex-Tottenham midfielder Vinny Samways who returned from a six-year spell in Spain to join the cause.

Samways slotted into a side which many believe was the most talented Walsall team since the clubs golden era under Bill Moore in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

2003–04 proved to be one of the most remarkable seasons in the club's history. Up until the New Year Walsall were flying. West Bromwich Albion and Nottingham Forest were both destroyed 4–1, as new-signing, the ex-England and Arsenal star, Paul Merson seemed to be repeating some of the magic that had led Portsmouth to promotion the previous season. Following a Boxing Day victory at Cardiff City, the club sat just four points off a place in the play-offs. It wasn't to last though.

2004 saw a spectacular slump in form. The New Year began with a disappointing FA Cup Third Round defeat away at Millwall, which saw Jimmy Walker dismissed for throwing a punch at Dennis Wise. Walker's replacement Andy Petterson slotted in for a home debut against fellow-strugglers Coventry City. The Saddlers capitulated, losing 6–1. The following weeks saw costly defeats, and it took until March 13 for the club to win their first league game of 2004. The cause was not helped by a recurrence in Paul Merson's well publicised addiction to alcohol and gambling, and though he travelled to a clinic in the United States with the best will of the club and its fans, it is indubitable that his absence took away the talismanic influence of one of the most influential players in recent footballing history.

Colin Lee was sacked after a shambolic display at Gillingham - though the reason given for his dismissal was his decision to speak to Plymouth Argyle about their vacant manger's position. Lee had been disillusioned by club owner Jeff Bonser, who had blocked the funds needed for the signing of players who proceeded to be a success at other clubs in the League.

Lee was replaced on a temporary basis by Merson, who was assisted by Simon Osborn. Despite the rallying cries of the ex-England international Merson, and the backing of the town, Walsall won only one more game that season, and were relegated, agonisingly by a single goal. On the final day of the season, Rotherham United were visitors at the Bescot Stadium. If Walsall won and Stoke City beat Gillingham in their home tie, Walsall would have stayed up. The Saddlers beat Rotherham United 3–2, and many fans invaded the pitch upon the final whistle, believing that they had stayed up, but as news of a 0–0 draw at Stoke City filtered into the ground, the worst was confirmed. Walsall's relegation left many Saddlers' fans asking themselves just what had gone wrong.

Merson was immediately appointed as full-time manager of the club in May 2004. Almost as soon as he arrived, rumours started to circulate that he would soon be sacked, polarising Walsall fans who were either behind him or against him. However, despite the question mark which hung over his tactical astuteness, he brought on and developed a number of young players who look set to have a big future in the game. Among those introduced to regular first team football by Merson, the brightest light is Matty Fryatt, who was the Top Scorer at the 2005 European Under-19 Championship where he represented England. His strike rate at Walsall was better than the majority of Strikers in both the Championship and League One. Paul Merson vowed not to stand in his way should a 'big club' come in for him, and it came as no surprise when in January 2006 Fryatt left the club, signing for Leicester City in a deal worth £350,000.

Merson's reign as Walsall manager came to an end on the 6 February 2006, sacked by Chief Executive Roy Whalley after refusing to resign. Two days earlier Walsall had lost 5-0 for the third time in Merson's reign, providing an interesting symmetry to his spell in charge - his first game was a 5-0 defeat away at Norwich City, whilst his final game resulted in a 5 goal reverse at Brentford.

Long-serving Youth Team manager Mick Halsall was put in Caretaker control of the Football Club, but ruled himself out of any long term ambitions for the job. Former Walsall player David Kelly was the bookies' favourite for the job, but ex-manager Chris Nicholl put his name into the running hours after news broke of Merson's dismissal.

On Friday, 17 February, whilst speaking to a local news broadcast, Jeff Bonser seemed to suggest that he would be keen to see Merson return to Bescot Stadium as a player, stating "a fit Paul Merson is an asset to any side". However, Merson would seem to be keener on following personal business interests at this time, taking a break from football until the summer. The practicalities of a former manager returning of a player have been tested before, most notably when Andy Hessenthaler resigned as manager of Gillingham in 2004, but remained as a player. However, Merson holds a much higher profile in football than Hessenthaler, and some speculated that it would have undermined caretaker manager Mick Halsall, and any future manager that would be appointed.

Despite all the spectulation, there was general shock when, on 22 February 2006, former Birmingham City captain Kevan Broadhurst was appointed as Paul Merson's replacement. Broadhurst had been occasionally linked to the job during the vacancy, but was not considered by bookmakers nor fans to have a serious chance for the job. Broadhurst had a brief loan spell at Fellows Park in Walsall's 1979–80 promotion season. His initial contract was until May 2006 - with the brief to secure Walsall's League One position. Mick Halsall, a former team mate of Broadhurst's, remained with the first team with a view to assisting Broadhurst until the end of the season, when he would return to his original post as Head of Youth.

Walsall were relegated on 22 April 2006 after losing 3–1 to Huddersfield Town. Rotherham United's 1–1 draw with Scunthorpe United saw an unassailable gap of seven points formed. Broadhurst was sacked the next day. Player coach Mark Kinsella was put in charge for the final two matches of the season, with Halsall reverting to duties with the reserve and youth teams. On May 3, the team appointed their fifth manager of the season in former Scunthorpe manager Richard Money.

The Start of Richard Money's reign started with a bang and a fresh start to Walsall's fight back to the Coca-Cola Championship. The signing of Martin Butler and Michael Dobson along with other signings gave the club potency to get promoted out of League Two. After seven games at home and winning all of them without conceding is a record for Walsall fans to be proud of. Walsall were promoted into League One on 14 April after beating Notts County 2–1 away from home. On the final day of the season, Walsall drew with Swindon Town, and with Hartlepool United losing their match, Walsall were awarded the League Two title.cite web| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/6602935.stm| title=Swindon 1-1 Walsall |date=2007-05-05|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-07-05] cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/6636873.stm|title=Promoted Walsall's open top tour |date=2007-05-08|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-07-05]

On Tuesday 24 April 2007 Walsall announced a 'New Change' with Major alterations, A new Kit Sponsor revealing that Banks's would no longer be Walsall Football Clubs official Sponsor for the 2007–08 season, and that Easy Fit conservatories would be the new kit sponsor, a new kit manufacturer which is to be Mann Brothers previously Nike, New Away Kit Colours which are blue/yellow and the biggest change, the club Badge which has been reformed back to the original Round design and Club Swift which has been designed to look more modern. This marks a new change and an exciting time for Walsall Football Club as they get ready for League One Football next season.

During the close season of 2007, the club was hit by the loss of influential players such as Dean Keates who decided to remain in League Two with Peterborough United, this was seen as quite a blow to the club's survival hopes for the new season. Walsall's first game was a 1–1 draw at home to Carlisle United, which was viewed as a satisfactory start to life back in League One, however a run of five straight defeats followed, including early exits from both the Carling Cup and the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. The Saddlers' first victory finally came on 15 September, winning 2–1 away to fellow strugglers Millwall, an encouraging result. A 0–3 home defeat by Oldham was followed by three successive victories - away to Hartlepool and Doncaster Rovers and a 4–0 hiding of Huddersfield Town, Walsall's first home win of the season. A home defeat to Southend United preceded one of the greatest unbeaten runs in the club's history; 17 league matches without defeat transformed the Black Country side and pushed them up the league, from relegation battlers to genuine promotion candidates and current play-off chasers. The club also made it to the 3rd round of the FA Cup, going out to Millwall in a replay at The New Den.The Saddlers' long and magnificent run finally came to an end away at fellow promotion pushers Carlisle on 2 February.

On 22 April, 2008, Richard Money resigned as Walsall manager after the club's playoff hopes (and chance of a second successive promotion) were ended. The club finished 12th in the final table, but a permanent successor to Money has yet to be found. Caretaker manager Jimmy Mullen who had expressed interest in the post, [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/default.stm] was appointed manager on a full time basis on May 22nd 2008.

On 1 July 2008 Walsall officially opened its new training ground following 2 years of development. The new training ground based in Essington marks a big step forward for the club who now for the first time have their own dedicated training base. It is hoped that the new training facilities will help the club attract players and speed up their return to the English Championship. [http://www.saddlers.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/0,,10428~1336813,00.html]

A timeline of Walsall's history

*1877 - Walsall Town founded
*1879 - Walsall Swifts founded
*1888 - Walsall Town and Walsall Swifts amalgamate, forming the Walsall Town Swifts. They played their first game against the mighty Aston Villa, drawing the game.
*1888 - Walsall Town Swifts not chosen amongst the 12 founder members of The Football League.
*1889 - Town Swifts' first England international, Albert Aldridge, is capped twice.
*1892 - Founder Members of the Second Division.
*1895 - Fail to be re-elected to the Football League.
*1896 - Defeat Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Birmingham Senior Cup final, and League and FA Cup Winners Aston Villa in the Birmingham Charity Cup final.
*1896 - Move into the new Hillary Street Ground, which will later become known as Fellows Park - Walsall's home, on and off, until 1990.
*1921 - Founder members of the Third Division North
*1928 - Play in front of 74,600 fans at Villa Park in the FA Cup Fourth Round. It remains the highest attendance that Walsall have ever played in front of.
*1933 - January 14 - Walsall defeat the mighty League Champions Arsenal 2–0 in, perhaps, the greatest FA Cup upset of all time.
*1958 - Founder Members of the Fourth Division.
*1959–60 - Division Four Champions - scoring 102 goals.
*1960–61 - Division Three Runners-up scoring 98 goals. Promoted back to the second tier of English football for the first time since the late 1890s.
*1962–63 - Relegated back to Division Three on the final day of the season.
*1972 - Club rescued from financial oblivion by the unpopular Ken Wheldon.
*1975 - Defeat Manchester United and Newcastle United in the FA Cup on the way to the Fifth Round. The winning goal against Newcastle is scored by striker George Andrews.
*1978 - Defeat Leicester City in the FA Cup on the way to the Fifth Round.
*1979 - Sign Alan Buckley back from Birmingham City for a club record £175,000.
*1983–84 - Reach the League Cup semi-final - becoming only the second team that season to earn a draw against Liverpool at Anfield, with the final score being 2–2. The second-leg is lost 2–0, and Walsall are denied a first appearance in a major cup final. Liverpool go on to win the League, League Cup and European Cup. Walsall go on to narrowly miss promotion.
*1986 - Plans are announced to move Walsall to Birmingham, to ground share with Birmingham City. The town rallies behind Barrie Blower, who leads a campaign to save Walsall Football Club. Multi-Millionaire Terry Ramsden buys the club.
*1986–87 - Under new manager Tommy Coakley, Walsall narrowly miss the playoffs. However, the FA Cup run is the real highlight of the season. First Division Charlton Athletic and Birmingham City are defeated, and Watford, managed by future England manager Graham Taylor, are taken to two replays - including a vintage FA Cup classic...a 4–4 draw in the first replay at Vicarage Road.
*1987–88 - Promoted to Division Two after a three-game play-off final against Bristol City is won 4–0.
*1988–89 - Relegated from Division Two. Terry Ramsden's business empire collapses alongside the Japanese Stock Exchange. Walsall are minutes from being taken over by Japanese Administrators and folded, but survive, again through the actions of Barrie Blower and local business men.
*1989–90 - Relegated to Division Four.
*1990 - Bescot Stadium is opened.
*1992 - Jeff Bonser buys the club, which again was minutes away from entering receivership. Players were told to find new clubs, and staff were told to clear their desks before Bonser's last minute save.
*1992–93 - Division Four is rebranded Division Three.
*September 1994 - Chris Nicholl is appointed manager.
*1994–95 - Leeds United are taken to a replay in the FA Cup Third Round. Promotion is assured to the Second Division.
*1997 - Nicholl resigns, as is replaced by former Danish international, Jan Sorensen.
*1997–98 - Sorensen's cavalier attitude to his football is reflected in stunning victories of First Division sides Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United in the League Cup. Macclesfield Town, hitherto unbeaten at home that season, are defeated 7–0 in the FA Cup Second Round at Moss Rose. Walsall lose 5–1 at Old Trafford in the Fourth Round.
*1998–99 - Ray Graydon appointed new manager. Walsall finish runners-up in Division Two, ahead of the likes of Manchester City, Preston and Wigan, and are promoted to the First Division.
*1999–00 - Relegated from Division One of the final day of the season.
*2000–01 - Return to Division One at the first attempt. Reading are defeated 3–2 in a memorable play-off final.
*2001–02 - Graydon is sacked in January, being replaced by Colin Lee. Premiership side Charlton are defeated in the FA Cup in Lee's first game, and the Great Escape is completed with one game to spare.
*2003–04 - An opening day victory over local rivals West Bromwich Albion, and the signing of Paul Merson raises expectations. However, Lee is sacked in April, and relegation comes on the final day of the season.
*2005–06 - Kevan Broadhurst replaces a sacked Merson, but Walsall are relegated to League Two after a 3–1 defeat to Huddersfield. Broadhurst is himself sacked afterwards, and replaced by Richard Money.
*2006–07 - Walsall sat top of League Two by five points after the games on New Years Day 2007. Walsall promoted into League One on 14 April, 2007 after winning away at Notts County 2–1. Finish as champions by a point thanks to a dramatic last day draw coupled with a defeat for nearest challengers Hartlepool United. Walsall change the name of their ground from Bescot Stadium to the Banks's Stadium and introduce a new club crest.
*2007–08 - Walsall finish just outisde the play-offs in a strong first season back in League One. However, manager Richard Money exits the club, with Jimmy Mullen named caretaker manager.
*2008–- Jimmy Mullen named manager on May 22nd 2008. Walsall open their new training ground giving them a dedicated training base for the first time in its history.

Walsall in film and television

* In the film "Fever Pitch", the day Arsenal were beaten by Walsall is mentioned during a game of pool
* 1970s BBC comedy television series "Ripping Yarns": "I didn't come here on a free transfer from Walsall ...."

League season history (including cups)

Club officials

Board officials

The above statistics include cup games, but not friendlies.

All-time records

*All time attendance : 25,453 v Newcastle United, 29 August 1961.
*Attendance at Bescot Stadium : 11,049 vs. Rotherham United. First Division, 9 May 2004.
*League Victory : 10–0 vs Darwen. Second Division, 4 March 1899.
*League Defeat : 0–12 vs Small Heath. Second Division, 17 December 1892.
*Cup Victory : 7–0 vs Macclesfield Town (away). FA Cup 2nd Round, 6 December 1997.
*Most Capped Player : Clayton Ince (63), Trinidad and Tobago.
*League appearances : Colin Harrison (467) 1964–1982.
*League Goals : 184. Colin Taylor 1958–1973 (three separate spells); and Tony Richards 1954–1963.
*League Goals in One Season : Gilbert Alsop (40). Division Three (North), 1933–34 and 1934–35.
*Transfer Fee Received : £1 million for Scott Dann received from Coventry City, January 2008.
*Transfer Fee Paid : £175,000 for Alan Buckley from Birmingham City, June 1979.

Honours

* Old Division Four Champions : 1959–60
* Old Division Three Runners-Up : 1960–61
* Old Division Four Runners-Up: 1979–80
* Play-off Winners (Old Division Three) : 1987–88
* Football League Division Three Runners-up : 1994–95
* Football League Division Two Runners-up : 1998–99
* Play-off Winners (League Division Two): 2000–2001
* League Two Champions: 2006–2007

References

External links

* [http://www.saddlers.co.uk The Official Walsall FC Website]
* [http://www.m6j9.com/ M6J9 Bescot Conferencing Site]
* [http://www.nmfe.co.uk NMFE - Ninety Minutes From Europe]
* [http://www.upthesaddlers.com Up The Saddlers.com - Unofficial Website and Message Board]
* [http://www.thefootballnetwork.net/main/s556.htm The Football Network - Walsall FC]
* [http://www.historicalkits.co.uk/Walsall/Walsall.htm Historical Walsall Football Kits]
* [http://mrfonline.net/phil/ The 'Phil from Willenhall' Fansite]
* [http://www.walsall-mad.co.uk Walsall - MAD - Unofficial Website and Message Board]