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Walsall

Full name	Walsall Football Club
Nickname(s)	The Saddlers
Founded	1888; 131 years ago (1888) (as Walsall Town Swifts)
Ground	Bescot Stadium
Capacity	11,300
Chairman	Jeff Bonser
Manager	Dean Keates
League	League One
2017–18	League One, 19th of 24
Website	Club website
Home colours Away colours Third colours
Current season

Walsall Football Club is a professional association football club based in the town of Walsall, West Midlands, England. The team play in League One, the third tier in the English football league system.

The club was founded in 1888 as Walsall Town Swifts, an amalgamation of Walsall Town F.C. and Walsall Swifts F.C. The club was one of the founder members of the Second Division in 1892, but have spent their entire existence outside English football's top division; their highest league finish was fourteenth in Division Two in 1961–62. Their first match at Wembley Stadium was the 2015 Football League Trophy Final, which they lost to Bristol City.

Walsall moved into their Bescot Stadium in 1990, having previously played at nearby Fellows Park for almost a century. The team play in a red and white kit and their club crest features a swift. The club's nickname, "The Saddlers", reflects Walsall's status as a traditional centre for saddle manufacture.

History and the present day

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Formation and early years

The Walsall team pictured in 1893

Walsall were formed as Walsall Town Swifts in 1888 when Walsall Town F.C. and Walsall Swifts F.C. amalgamated.^[1] Walsall Town had been founded in 1877 and Walsall Swifts in 1879.^[1] Both clubs had played at the Chuckery, and the new club remained at the same ground. Walsall Town Swifts' first match was a draw against Aston Villa. Two players from this early era received international caps. In 1882, Alf Jones won the first two of his three caps (against Scotland and Wales) while with Walsall Swifts, and in 1889 Albert Aldridge received the second of his two caps while playing for Walsall Town Swifts. The club were first admitted to the Football League in 1892, as founder members of the new Second Division. They moved to the West Bromwich Road ground in 1893. After finishing 14th out of 16 teams in 1894–95 the club failed to be re-elected to the Football League.

At the start of the 1895 season the club moved to Hilary Street, later renamed Fellows Park. In 1896 they changed their name to Walsall F.C.^[1] and joined the Midland League. A year later, they returned to the Second Division, three teams having failed re-election in 1896. The team finished in sixth place in 1898–99, but once again failed re-election two years later, dropping back into the Midland League. A move to the Birmingham League followed in 1903, and in 1910, the club were elected to the Southern League. With the expansion of the Football League after World War I, Walsall became a founding member of the Third Division North in 1921.

Walsall's highest "home" attendance was set in 1930, when they played in of front of 74,646 fans against Aston Villa in the FA Cup Fourth Round ^[2] Although a home match for Walsall, the tie was played at their opponents' Villa Park ground, and it remains the highest attendance that Walsall have ever played in front of.

In 1933, Walsall won 2–0 in the FA Cup against Arsenal at Fellows Park. Arsenal went on to win the First Division that season, and the cup defeat to Third Division North side Walsall is still regarded as one of the greatest upsets in FA Cup history.^[3]

Post-war era

In 1958, following a reorganisation of the Football League, Walsall became founder members of the Fourth Division. Under the management of Bill Moore, the club achieved successive promotions, scoring 102 goals on their way to winning Division Four in 1959–60 and finishing as Division Three runners-up in 1960–61 to reach the second tier of English football for the first time since the early 1900s. Players such as Bill 'Chopper' Guttridge, Tony Richards and Colin Taylor were intrinsically important to the success of the side. After just two seasons in the Second Division, the club were relegated back to Division Three in 1962–63, and remained there until a further demotion to the Fourth Division, in 1978–79.

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.

1980s: League Cup scalps, financial turmoil and the fourth tier

Walsall in action in 1982

The 1980s were a period of considerable activity for Walsall. In 1983–84 they defeated First Division club Arsenal in the League Cup at Highbury, and advanced to the semi-final, where an estimated 10,000 Saddlers saw a 2–2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield, however a second leg 2–0 defeat in front of 19,591 at Fellows Park saw Walsall lose the tie 4–2 on aggregate. This cup run saw Walsall famously only 90 minutes away from playing in Europe, which was once the name of a Fanzine, unfortunately no longer running. Walsall narrowly missed out on promotion to the Second Division in the same season.

In 1986 plans were announced to move Walsall to Birmingham, to groundshare with Birmingham City. The town rallied behind Barrie Blower, who led a campaign to save the club. Walsall were subsequently bought by millionaire entrepreneur and racehorse owner Terry Ramsden and with his money came high-profile signings and the attention of the national media. In 1986–87, under new manager Tommy Coakley, Walsall narrowly missed the play-offs, but made considerable progress in the FA Cup as they defeated First Division Charlton Athletic and Birmingham City and took Watford to two replays in the fifth round.

Walsall earned promotion through the old Division Three play-offs in 1988, beating Bristol City in a replayed final at Fellows Park, 13,007 where there to see it. 1988–89 saw the club relegated from Division Two and Ramsden's business empire collapsed alongside the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Walsall were minutes from being taken over by Japanese administrators and folded, but survived, again through the actions of Barrie Blower and local businessmen.

Further relegation followed at the end of 1989–90 as Walsall were consigned to Division Four.

1990s: move to Bescot, Hibbitt's foundation and promotions

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. 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, the team finishing 11th and 12th, before Nicholl resigned in 1997.

Ex-Ajax and Danish international Jan Sorensen took the helm after Nicholl`s departure. Whilst 'The Saddlers' finished a lowly 19th in Division Two that season, the club reached the 4th Round of the League Cup, as well as rampaging through the early rounds of the FA Cup. Lincoln United were dispatched in the first round, before league newcomers Macclesfield Town were beaten 7–0 away and a victory over Peterborough United in the 3rd Round was rewarded with a glamour tie away at Manchester United, which Walsall lost 5–1. However, despite the club's cup exploits, a poor finish in the league signalled the end of Sorensen's time at Walsall after just one season.

In 1998–99, ex-Aston Villa winger Ray Graydon took over as manager and led the club to a runners-up spot in Division Two, beating Man City to automatic promotion by 5 points.^[4]

2000s: From the second tier to League Two, "Dickie Dosh" and anticlimax

After an unlikely promotion to the second tier Walsall found life difficult at a higher level, but battled right until the final day of the season, when their fate was finally sealed. A 2–0 defeat at Ipswich coupled with West Brom's home victory over Charlton meant Walsall returned to the third tier, despite derby wins over local rivals Wolves, Birmingham and West Brom earlier in the campaign.

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.^[5] 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 spurred them on to reach 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. Following an abject performance and 2–0 defeat, live on Sky Sports against local rivals West Brom, Jeff Bonser dismissed Graydon. 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.

Chart of table positions of Walsall in the Football League.

2003–04 proved to be one of the most remarkable seasons in the club's history. Up until Christmas, 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.

However, 2004 saw a spectacular slump in form. The New Year began with a disappointing FA Cup Third Round defeat away at Millwall, and an embarrassing 6–1 home defeat against fellow-strugglers Coventry City. The following weeks saw further costly defeats, and it took until 13 March for the club to win their first league game of 2004. Colin Lee was sacked on 16 April 2004 after a shambolic display at Gillingham, though the reason given for his dismissal was his decision to speak to Plymouth Argyle about their vacant manager's position.

Lee was replaced on a temporary basis by Paul Merson, who was assisted by Simon Osborn. Despite the rallying cries of the ex-England international, and the backing of the town, Walsall were ultimately relegated, agonisingly by a single goal, despite a 3–2 victory over Rotherham Utd at home, on the season's final day.

Despite the club's relegation and no previous managerial experience, Merson was immediately appointed as full-time manager of the club in May 2004. Although initially a popular choice, a poor season almost ended in successive relegations. However, an inspired loan signing Julian Joachim spurred the team on to winning all five of their final games of the 2004–05 season and 14th place in League One, restoring some faith in his management ability.

Although the 2005–06 season started promisingly, it turned into a disastrous one for Walsall. After increasing supporter pressure following a string of bad results, culminating in a 5–0 defeat at Brentford, Merson's reign as Walsall manager came to an end on 6 February 2006.

Later that month, former Birmingham City captain Kevan Broadhurst was appointed as Paul Merson's replacement. However, Walsall were relegated on 22 April 2006 after losing 3–1 to Huddersfield Town. Broadhurst was sacked the next day. On 3 May 2006, the team appointed their third permanent manager of the season in former Scunthorpe manager Richard Money.

Richard Money's reign started with a bang as Walsall lost just once in the first 20 League games in League Two, including maximum points from their first seven home ties. An impressive start to the season was maintained throughout, and despite a mini-blip in February, Walsall remained in the top three for almost the entire season. 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 1–1 with Swindon Town at the County Ground thanks to a last-minute goal by Dean Keates in front of 3,419 travelling fans, to secure the League Two title.^[6][7]

Walsall (in red shirts) playing Gillingham in 2009

Walsall's form continued into the new season, as the club performed strongly in 2007–08, including a run of 17 League matches without defeat. However, a January transfer window that culminated in the sales of important first team players Daniel Fox and Scott Dann (both to Coventry City) caused a drop in form throughout 2008. The club's play-off challenge was ended after a run of poor results in March leading to Richard Money resigning as manager in April. Jimmy Mullen took over as caretaker manager before being given the job on a permanent basis after the club finished in 12th place.

Walsall endured an inconsistent start to their League One campaign in 2008–09, with a number of home defeats leading to the sacking of manager Jimmy Mullen in January 2009. Mullen was replaced by former Walsall player Chris Hutchings. Hutchings started his reign with a 1–1 home draw with Hereford United. His first win as Walsall manager came against Leeds United on 31 January 2009 at Bescot Stadium, with Troy Deeney's first half goal proving enough in a 1–0 win.

2009–10, Hutchings's first full season as Walsall manager, was again inconsistent. At the start of December, Walsall were 7th and only a point outside the play-offs. However, the start of 2010 brought a slump in form and by the beginning of April, Walsall were 13th with only one win in seven League games. The last eight games brought a striking change in form, only losing once to seal a top 10 finish – their highest since being relegated in 2004.

The end of the 2009–10 season saw some of the darkest days in the club's history. Roy Whalley stepped down at the end of that season^[8] and Jeff Bonser has not attended a Walsall game since the end of that season. The innocent supporters were eventually unbanned but no formal apology was either received or presented to either the supporters or individuals concerned. The retirement of Roy Whalley and Jeff Bonser's exile was the start of a new era at Walsall. Stefan Gamble took over the reins as Chief Executive and the club has not looked back since.

2010s: The Great Escape, the Dean Smith era and the football philosophy

The 2010–11 season started poorly and by the beginning of October, Walsall were rock-bottom of the table and facing a relegation battle. On 3 January 2011, after a 4–1 defeat against Peterborough United, Hutchings was sacked. Head of Youth, and ex-Walsall player, Dean Smith was placed in temporary charge. On 21 January he was announced as permanent manager of the club until the end of the season.^[9]

On 29 January 2011, Walsall recorded their best League result since 1986 by beating Bristol Rovers 6–1. This was Smith's first win in charge, and sparked an upturn in form seeing Walsall gain ground on their relegation rivals. A 1–0 win over promotion chasing Southampton on 1 March 2011 saw Walsall climb out of the relegation zone for the first time since October. A points haul of eight in April was enough to ensure Walsall were one point clear of the drop zone going into the final set of fixtures. Despite losing 3–1 to Southampton, and accumulating only 48 points, Walsall survived relegation by one point ahead of Dagenham & Redbridge, who lost on the same day to Peterborough United.

The 2011–12 season once again saw Walsall flirt with relegation from League One. However, a 1–1 draw at home to Huddersfield Town on 28 April 2012 guaranteed Walsall's survival in League One at the expense of Wycombe Wanderers, Chesterfield, Exeter City and Rochdale, who were all relegated.

The 2012–13 season began with a 3–0 home defeat to Doncaster Rovers on 18 August 2012, though Walsall gradually began to improve after their initial setback, reaching 5th place in the League One table after a 2–1 win over Portsmouth at Fratton Park on 15 September 2012. However, a winless run of 16 games followed from early October until 22 December 2012, when the Saddlers defeated Colchester United 1–0 at home. Following this, the club began to prosper in the New Year, only being beaten three times in 24 games until the end of the season and emerging as a serious contender for the play-offs. Despite falling just short, they finished 9th in the table, marking a significant improvement following two seasons of struggling.

On Tuesday 9 December 2014 Walsall drew 2–2 against Tranmere Rovers in the Johnstone Paint Trophy Area Semi-Final in which they ended up winning 5–4 on penalties to reach the Area Final ^[10]

On Wednesday 7 January 2015 Walsall played the Area Final first leg against Preston North End, winning 2–0 by scoring twice within the 80th to 90th minute with Tom Bradshaw playing a key part. After a stalemate second leg Walsall reach the Football League Trophy final and for the first time in their 127-year history play at Wembley Stadium where they were beaten 2–0 by Bristol City on Sunday 22 March 2015. Topping a disappointing season for the club where they managed to become clear of relegation just two games before the end of the season, a 3–3 draw with promotion play-off side, Swindon.

Walsall started the 2015–16 season well, with Smith being named as League One Manager of the Month and Rico Henry named youth player of the month for August as the club ended the month at the top of the table.^[11] Walsall rejected an approach for Smith from Rotherham United in October, describing him as "fundamental to our future plans".^[12] Smith signed a new 12-month rolling contract on 16 October. However six weeks later he left Walsall for Brentford with the "Saddlers" fourth in the table; at the time of his departure he was the fourth longest serving manager in the Football League.^[13]

On 18 December 2015 Walsall turned to Sean O'Driscoll as head coach. O'Driscoll, previously Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers' assistant, had become available following Rodgers' sacking.^[14] O'Driscoll made it clear that he did not intend to make any major changes. Going into the new year Walsall were top of the table on goal difference after winning all three games since O'Driscoll took the reins.^[15] After 16 games in charge, Walsall were placed fourth but on a six-game winless run. On 6 March 2016 it was announced that Walsall had parted company with O'Driscoll.^[16]

A timeline of Walsall's history

• 1888 – Founded as Walsall Town Swifts
  


• 1892 – Founder Members of the Football League Second Division.


• 1896 – Renamed Walsall F.C.


• 1896 – Move into the new Hillary Street Ground, which will later become known as Fellows Park, Walsall's home, on and off, until 1990.


• 1901 – Failed to gain re-election to the Football League.


• 1921 – League football returns to Walsall after 20 years as the club become Founder Members of the Football League Third Division North.


• 1933 – Beat Arsenal in the FA Cup, a result still regarded as one of the greatest FA Cup upsets of all-time.


• 1960 – Win the Fourth Division title. The club's first league win in their history.


• 1961 – Win second successive promotion to reach Second Division.


• 1963 – Relegated back to Third Division where the club would spend 24 out of the next 25 seasons.


• 1972 – Club rescued from financial oblivion by new owner Ken Wheldon.


• 1975 – Defeat Manchester United and Newcastle United in the FA Cup on the way to the fifth round.


• 1978 – Defeat Leicester City in the FA Cup on the way to the fifth round.


• 1979 – Sign striker Alan Buckley back from Birmingham City, for a what was a club record of £175,000 until 2016.


• 1984 – Reach the League Cup semi-finals, defeating Arsenal at Highbury in the fourth round.


• 1986 – Racecourse owner Terry Ramsden buys the club.


• 1988 – Promotion to the Second Division is achieved through the play-offs.


• 1989 – Relegation to Third Division after just one season in the Second Division.


• 1990 – A second successive relegation to the Fourth Division in time for the move to Bescot Stadium, a few hundred yards from Fellows Park.


• 1992 – Jeff Bonser buys the club, which again was minutes away from entering receivership.


• 1995 – Win promotion to Division Two as runners-up.


• 1998 – Reach the fourth round of the League Cup and FA Cup under Jan Sorensen, who lasts only one season and is succeeded by Ray Graydon.


• 1999 – Win promotion to Division One as runners-up ahead of Manchester City.


• 2000 – Relegated back to Division Two, being pipped to survival by local rivals West Bromwich Albion.


• 2001 – Promoted to Division One at the first attempt, winning the Division Two play-offs.


• 2004 – Relegated from Division One on goal difference.


• 2006 – Two relegations in three seasons sees the club fall to League Two.


• 2007 – Win the League Two title at the first attempt and are promoted back to League One.


• 2015 – Reach the Football League Trophy final, play at Wembley Stadium for the first time in their history but lose 2–0 to Bristol City.

Rivals

A 2013 survey revealed Walsall fans consider Black Country neighbours Wolverhampton Wanderers to be the club's main rivals.^[17] However, meetings between the teams are relatively rare, with Wolves having spent most of their existence in the top two tiers of English football. Only 16 competitive fixtures have been played between Walsall and Wolves, with the most recent occurring in 2014. Meetings with the Black Country's other professional cub, West Bromwich Albion, are similarly rare, with the Saddlers and the Baggies having clashed just 14 times.^[18]

More regularly-contested rivalries exist with Shrewsbury Town and Port Vale. Both clubs are roughly 30 miles away from Walsall, meaning they are often the Saddlers' geographically-closest fixtures. Walsall have the upper hand in both rivalries, having won significantly more fixtures than they have lost.^[19][20]

Grounds

The Chuckery

This multi-purpose sports ground was situated in a district near to the Walsall Arboretum. It comprised some 12 football pitches and four good-sized cricket squares. It was the first ever home ground for Walsall F.C. from 1888 until 1893.

West Bromwich Road

The new ground in West Bromwich Road, which had a capacity of just over 4,500, proved to be a lucky omen for The Saddlers between 1893 and 1896.

Fellows Park

Fellows Park was a former football stadium in Walsall, England. It was the home ground of Walsall F.C. from 1896 until 1990, when the team moved to the Bescot Stadium.

Bescot Stadium

Bescot Stadium, currently also known as Banks's Stadium for sponsorship purposes,^[21] is the home ground of Walsall Football Club. It was built in 1989–90 at a cost of £4.5m, replacing the club's previous ground, Fellows Park, which was located a quarter of a mile away. The ground was opened by Sir Stanley Matthews.

Players

Current squad

As of 31 October 2018.^[22]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Position Player 1 GK Liam Roberts 2 MF Joe Edwards (vice-captain) 3 DF Luke Leahy (4th captain) 4 MF George Dobson (3rd captain) 5 DF Jon Guthrie 6 DF Nicky Devlin 7 MF Adam Chambers (captain) 8 MF Kieron Morris 9 FW Andy Cook 10 MF Zeli Ismail 11 MF Josh Ginnelly 13 GK Chris Dunn 14 DF Kory Roberts 15 MF Liam Kinsella 16 FW Morgan Ferrier

No. Position Player 17 MF Maziar Kouhyar 20 DF Connor Johnson (on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers) 24 DF Dan Vann 26 FW Dylan Parker 27 DF Jack Fitzwater (on loan from West Bromwich Albion) 28 DF Kane Wilson (on loan from West Bromwich Albion) 29 FW Josh Gordon 30 MF Isaiah Osbourne 31 MF Connor Ronan (on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers) 32 MF Alfie Bates 33 FW Alex McSkeane 34 DF Russell Martin — DF Ben Purkiss – MF Matt Jarvis (on loan from Norwich City)

Out on loan

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Position Player 18 MF Jordan Sangha (on loan at Ashton United until 2 January 2019) 19 FW Mitchel Candlin (on loan at Blackburn Rovers) 21 DF Callum Cockerill-Mollett (on loan at A.F.C. Telford United until 15 October 2018)

No. Position Player 22 MF Tobias Hayles-Docherty (on loan at Halesowen Town until 3 November 2018) 23 GK Joe Slinn (on loan at Rushall Olympic until 30 June 2019) 25 FW Cameron Peters (on loan at Bromsgrove Rovers until 15 November 2018)

Reserves and youth

For the Development and Youth Academy squads, see Walsall F.C. Youth and Reserves.

Former players

For a list of former players, see Category:Walsall F.C. players.

Players of the Year^{[citation needed]}

Anthony Gerrard (Player of the season 2005–06 & 2007–08)

Ian Roper (Player of the season 2002–03)

Name	Season
Joe Edwards	2017–18
Jason McCarthy	2016–17
Adam Chambers	2015–16
Richard O'Donnell	2014–15
Sam Mantom	2013–14
Will Grigg	2012–13
Andy Butler	2011–12
Andy Butler	2010–11
Troy Deeney	2009–10
Clayton Ince	2008–09
Anthony Gerrard	2007–08
Dean Keates	2006–07
Anthony Gerrard	2005–06
Matty Fryatt	2004–05
Paul Ritchie	2003–04
Ian Roper	2002–03
Jimmy Walker	2001–02
Jorge Leitão	2000–01
Gino Padula	1999–00
Jimmy Walker	1998–99
Jeff Peron	1997–98
Adrian Viveash	1996–97
Adrian Viveash	1995–96
Kevin Wilson	1994–95

Top goal scorers^{[citation needed]}

Tommy Mooney (Top Scorer 2007–08)

Michael Ricketts (Top Scorer 1999–2000 and 2008–2009)

Player	Goals	Season
Erhun Oztumer	17	2017–18
Erhun Oztumer	15	2016–17
Tom Bradshaw	20	2015–16
Tom Bradshaw	20	2014–15
Craig Westcarr	16	2013–14
Will Grigg	20	2012–13
Alex Nicholls and Jon Macken	10	2011–12
Julian Gray	10	2010–11
Troy Deeney	14	2009–10
Michael Ricketts and Troy Deeney	12	2008–09
Tommy Mooney	12	2007–08
Dean Keates	13	2006–07
Matty Fryatt	14	2005–06
Matty Fryatt	15	2004–05
Jorge Leitão	9	2003–04
Júnior	16	2002–03
Jorge Leitão	10	2001–02
Jorge Leitão	21	2000–01
Michael Ricketts	11	1999–2000
Andy Rammell	20	1998–99
Roger Boli	24	1997–98
Kyle Lightbourne	20	1996–97
Kyle Lightbourne and Kevin Wilson	15	1995–96
Kyle Lightbourne	23	1994–95
Dean Peer	8	1993–94
Wayne Clarke	21	1992–93
Rod McDonald	18	1991–92
Stuart Rimmer	13	1990–91
Stuart Rimmer	10	1989–90
Stuart Rimmer	8	1988–89
David Kelly	20	1987–88
David Kelly	23	1986–87
Nicky Cross	21	1985–86

Club officials

Board officials

Name	Role
Barry Blower MBE	President
Jeff Bonser	Chairman
Stefan Gamble	Chief Executive
Clive Welch	Director
Nigel Bond	Director
Peter Gilman	Director
Richard Tisdale	Director
Roy Whalley	Director
Leigh Pomlett	Director[23]
Mick Kearns	Ambassador

First team staff

Name	Role
Dean Keates	Manager
Andy Davies	Assistant Manager
Marc Czuczman	Senior Physiotherapist
Calum Hayes	Performance Analysis
John Ward	Professional Development Coach
Tom Bradley and Scott Hamilton	Kit Man

Youth Team Staff

Name	Role
Neil Woods	Academy Manager[24]
Graham Biggs	Head of Academy Coaching
Paul Larvin	Lead Coach for Youth Development Phase
Adam Davy	Lead Coach for Foundation Phase/ Community Manager

Medical staff

Name	Role
Dr Ricky Shamji	Club Doctor
Vacant	Senior Physiotherapist/First team Coach
Iain Dutia	Assistant Senior Physiotherapist
Dean Harris	Sports Scientist

Managerial history

Only competitive matches are counted. Wins, losses and draws are results at the final whistle; the results of penalty shoot-outs are not counted.^[25]

Name	From	To	P	W	D	L	Win%	Honours	Notes
H. Smallwood s	01 Aug 1888	01 Aug 1891	7001890000000000000♠89	7001450000000000000♠45	7001110000000000000♠11	7001330000000000000♠33	07001505600000000000♠50.56
A. G. Burton s	01 Aug 1891	01 Aug 1893	7001490000000000000♠49	7001140000000000000♠14	7000600000000000000♠6	7001290000000000000♠29	07001285700000000000♠28.57
J. H. Robinson s	01 Aug 1893	01 Aug 1895	7001620000000000000♠62	7001220000000000000♠22	7000300000000000000♠3	7001370000000000000♠37	07001354809999999999♠35.48
C. H. Aislo s	01 Aug 1895	01 Aug 1896	7001310000000000000♠31	7001190000000000000♠19	7000600000000000000♠6	7000600000000000000♠6	07001612900000000000♠61.29
A. E. Parsloe s	01 Aug 1896	01 Aug 1897	7001330000000000000♠33	7001120000000000000♠12	7000500000000000000♠5	7001160000000000000♠16	07001363600000000000♠36.36
L. Ford s	01 Aug 1897	01 Aug 1898	7001300000000000000♠30	7001120000000000000♠12	7000500000000000000♠5	7001130000000000000♠13	07001400000000000000♠40.00
G. Hughes s	01 Aug 1898	01 Aug 1899	7001350000000000000♠35	7001150000000000000♠15	7001120000000000000♠12	7000800000000000000♠8	07001428600000000000♠42.86
L. Ford s	01 Aug 1899	01 Aug 1901	7001790000000000000♠79	7001250000000000000♠25	7001240000000000000♠24	7001300000000000000♠30	07001316500000000000♠31.65
J. E. Shutt s	01 Aug 1908	01 Jul 1912	7002144000000000000♠144	7001690000000000000♠69	7001280000000000000♠28	7001470000000000000♠47	07001479200000000000♠47.92
Haydn Price s	01 Jul 1912	01 Aug 1915	7002114000000000000♠114	7001570000000000000♠57	7001190000000000000♠19	7001380000000000000♠38	07001500000000000000♠50.00
Albert Groves	01 May 1920	01 Aug 1921	7001360000000000000♠36	7001190000000000000♠19	7000600000000000000♠6	7001110000000000000♠11	07001527800000000000♠52.78
Joe Burchell	01 Aug 1921	01 Feb 1926	7002199000000000000♠199	7001740000000000000♠74	7001360000000000000♠36	7001890000000000000♠89	07001371900000000000♠37.19
David Ashworth	01 Feb 1926	01 Feb 1927	7001420000000000000♠42	7001160000000000000♠16	7000900000000000000♠9	7001170000000000000♠17	07001381000000000000♠38.10
Jimmy Torrance	01 Feb 1927	01 May 1928	7001610000000000000♠61	7001170000000000000♠17	7001120000000000000♠12	7001320000000000000♠32	07001278700000000000♠27.87
James Kerr	01 May 1928	01 Apr 1929	7001390000000000000♠39	7001130000000000000♠13	7001120000000000000♠12	7001140000000000000♠14	07001333300000000000♠33.33
Sid Scholey	01 Apr 1929	01 Oct 1930	7001610000000000000♠61	7001210000000000000♠21	7001100000000000000♠10	7001300000000000000♠30	07001344300000000000♠34.43
Peter O'Rourke	01 Oct 1930	01 Feb 1932	7001630000000000000♠63	7001210000000000000♠21	7001100000000000000♠10	7001320000000000000♠32	07001333300000000000♠33.33
Bill Slade	01 Feb 1932	01 Oct 1934	7002114000000000000♠114	7001550000000000000♠55	7001210000000000000♠21	7001380000000000000♠38	07001482500000000000♠48.25
Andrew Wilson	01 Oct 1934	01 Apr 1937	7002133000000000000♠133	7001470000000000000♠47	7001320000000000000♠32	7001540000000000000♠54	07001353400000000000♠35.34
Tommy Lowes	01 Apr 1937	01 Sep 1939	7002105000000000000♠105	7001330000000000000♠33	7001220000000000000♠22	7001500000000000000♠50	07001314300000000000♠31.43
Sam Longmore	01 Sep 1939	05 Aug 1944	7002166000000000000♠166	7001540000000000000♠54	7001340000000000000♠34	7001780000000000000♠78	07001325300000000000♠32.53
Harry Hibbs	05 Aug 1944	30 Jun 1951	7002230000000000000♠230	7001850000000000000♠85	7001570000000000000♠57	7001880000000000000♠88	07001369600000000000♠36.96
Tony McPhee	01 Jul 1951	01 Dec 1951	7001210000000000000♠21	7000700000000000000♠7	7000300000000000000♠3	7001110000000000000♠11	07001333300000000000♠33.33
Brough Fletcher	01 Mar 1952	01 Apr 1953	7001520000000000000♠52	7000900000000000000♠9	7000800000000000000♠8	7001350000000000000♠35	07001173109999900000♠17.31
Frank Buckley	01 Apr 1953	01 Sep 1955	7002112000000000000♠112	7001240000000000000♠24	7001280000000000000♠28	7001600000000000000♠60	07001214300000000000♠21.43
John Love	01 Sep 1955	01 Dec 1957	7002113000000000000♠113	7001380000000000000♠38	7001260000000000000♠26	7001490000000000000♠49	07001336300000000000♠33.63
Bill Moore	01 Dec 1957	01 Nov 1963	7002332000000000000♠332	7002132000000000000♠132	7001680000000000000♠68	7002132000000000000♠132	07001397600000000000♠39.76	1 Division Four (Champions) 1 Division Three (2nd place)
Alf Wood	01 Nov 1963	01 Oct 1964	7000300000000000000♠3	7000100000000000000♠1	5000000000000000000♠0	7000200000000000000♠2	07001333300000000000♠33.33
Ray Shaw	01 Oct 1964	01 Mar 1968	7002166000000000000♠166	7001670000000000000♠67	7001350000000000000♠35	7001640000000000000♠64	07001403600000000000♠40.36
Dick Graham	01 Mar 1968	01 May 1968	7001130000000000000♠13	7000500000000000000♠5	7000400000000000000♠4	7000400000000000000♠4	07001384600000000000♠38.46
Ron Lewin	01 Jul 1968	01 Feb 1969	7001280000000000000♠28	7000800000000000000♠8	7001100000000000000♠10	7001100000000000000♠10	07001285700000000000♠28.57
Bill Moore	01 Feb 1969	16 Oct 1972	7002179000000000000♠179	7001650000000000000♠65	7001520000000000000♠52	7001620000000000000♠62	07001363100000000000♠36.31
John Smith	16 Oct 1972	23 Mar 1973	7001270000000000000♠27	7000800000000000000♠8	7000500000000000000♠5	7001140000000000000♠14	07001296300000000000♠29.63
Jimmy MacEwan	23 Mar 1973	01 Jun 1973	7000900000000000000♠9	7000300000000000000♠3	7000200000000000000♠2	7000400000000000000♠4	07001333300000000000♠33.33
Ronnie Allen	06 Jun 1973	20 Dec 1974	7001230000000000000♠23	7000400000000000000♠4	7000900000000000000♠9	7001100000000000000♠10	07001173900000000000♠17.39
Doug Fraser	01 Jan 1974	07 Mar 1977	7002151000000000000♠151	7001540000000000000♠54	7001430000000000000♠43	7001540000000000000♠54	07001357600000000000♠35.76
Dave Mackay	09 Mar 1977	05 Aug 1978	7001610000000000000♠61	7001230000000000000♠23	7001250000000000000♠25	7001130000000000000♠13	07001377000000000000♠37.70
Alan Ashman	23 Aug 1978	17 Feb 1979	7001180000000000000♠18	7000600000000000000♠6	7000600000000000000♠6	7000600000000000000♠6	07001333300000000000♠33.33
Frank Sibley	01 Mar 1979	05 May 1979	7001150000000000000♠15	7000200000000000000♠2	7000400000000000000♠4	7000900000000000000♠9	07001133300000000000♠13.33
Alan Buckley p	27 Jun 1979	01 Jul 1981	7001930000000000000♠93	7001360000000000000♠36	7001330000000000000♠33	7001240000000000000♠24	07001387100000000000♠38.71	1 Division Four (2nd place)
Alan Buckley p & Neil Martin	01 Jul 1981	01 Jan 1982	7001180000000000000♠18	7000900000000000000♠9	7000500000000000000♠5	7000400000000000000♠4	07001500000000000000♠50.00
Neil Martin	01 Jan 1982	01 May 1982	7001240000000000000♠24	7000300000000000000♠3	7000800000000000000♠8	7001130000000000000♠13	07001125000000000000♠12.50
Alan Buckley p	01 May 1982	01 Jun 1986	7002201000000000000♠201	7001870000000000000♠87	7001480000000000000♠48	7001660000000000000♠66	07001432800000000000♠43.28
Tommy Coakley	01 Aug 1986	27 Dec 1988	7002141000000000000♠141	7001600000000000000♠60	7001360000000000000♠36	7001450000000000000♠45	07001425509999900000♠42.55	1 Division Three (Play-off winners)
John Barnwell	17 Jan 1989	01 Mar 1990	7001540000000000000♠54	7001100000000000000♠10	7001180000000000000♠18	7001260000000000000♠26	07001185200000000000♠18.52
Paul Taylor	01 Mar 1990	15 May 1990	7001180000000000000♠18	7000400000000000000♠4	7000400000000000000♠4	7001100000000000000♠10	07001222200000000000♠22.22
Kenny Hibbitt	16 May 1990	01 Aug 1994	7002201000000000000♠201	7001690000000000000♠69	7001550000000000000♠55	7001770000000000000♠77	07001343300000000000♠34.33
Chris Nicholl	01 Aug 1994	21 May 1997	7002157000000000000♠157	7001710000000000000♠71	7001410000000000000♠41	7001450000000000000♠45	07001452200000000000♠45.22	1 Division Three (2nd place)
Jan Sørensen	25 Jun 1997	05 May 1998	7001620000000000000♠62	7001260000000000000♠26	7001130000000000000♠13	7001230000000000000♠23	07001419400000000000♠41.94
Ray Graydon	05 May 1998	22 Jan 2002	7002199000000000000♠199	7001790000000000000♠79	7001490000000000000♠49	7001710000000000000♠71	07001397000000000000♠39.70	1 Division Two (2nd place) 1 Division Two (Play-off winners)
Colin Lee	24 Jan 2002	16 Apr 2004	7002116000000000000♠116	7001380000000000000♠38	7001300000000000000♠30	7001480000000000000♠48	07001327590000000000♠32.76
Paul Merson † p	16 Apr 2004	06 Feb 2006	7001940000000000000♠94	7001320000000000000♠32	7001230000000000000♠23	7001390000000000000♠39	07001340400000000000♠34.04
Kevan Broadhurst	22 Feb 2006	24 Apr 2006	7001110000000000000♠11	7000100000000000000♠1	7000400000000000000♠4	7000600000000000000♠6	007000909000000000000♠9.09
Richard Money	03 May 2006	22 Apr 2008	7002103000000000000♠103	7001440000000000000♠44	7001330000000000000♠33	7001260000000000000♠26	07001427200000000000♠42.72	1 League Two (Champions)
Jimmy Mullen	22 Apr 2008	10 Jan 2009	7001290000000000000♠29	7001100000000000000♠10	7000500000000000000♠5	7001140000000000000♠14	07001344809999999999♠34.48
Chris Hutchings	20 Jan 2009	04 Jan 2011	7001980000000000000♠98	7001310000000000000♠31	7001240000000000000♠24	7001430000000000000♠43	07001316300000000000♠31.63
Dean Smith †	04 Jan 2011	30 Nov 2015	7002260000000000000♠260	7001840000000000000♠84	7001960000000000000♠96	7001800000000000000♠80	07001323100000000000♠32.31	1 Football League Trophy (Runner-up)
Jon Whitney c ^	30 Nov 2015	18 Dec 2015	7000300000000000000♠3	7000100000000000000♠1	7000200000000000000♠2	5000000000000000000♠0	07001333300000000000♠33.33
Sean O'Driscoll	18 Dec 2015	06 Mar 2016	7001160000000000000♠16	7000600000000000000♠6	7000500000000000000♠5	7000500000000000000♠5	07001375000000000000♠37.50
Jon Whitney	07 Mar 2016	12 Mar 2018	7002109000000000000♠109	7001380000000000000♠38	7001290000000000000♠29	7001420000000000000♠42	07001348600000000000♠34.86
Dean Keates	16 Mar 2018	Present	7000900000000000000♠9	7000200000000000000♠2	7000200000000000000♠2	7000500000000000000♠5	07001222200000000000♠22.22

Key

^sPre-WWI the Club Secretary picked the team on matchday.

^cCaretaker manager.

^pPlayer-manager.

† Served as caretaker manager before being appointed permanently.

^ Initially assisted by John Ward and Neil Cutler in a managerial trio.

Correct as of 6 May 2018.

Records

Competitions

• Highest Post-War League Position: 14th in Football League Second Division (now Championship), 1961–62


• 
  FA Cup: 5th Round (6): 1938–39, 1974–75, 1977–78, 1986–87, 2001–02, 2002–03


• 
  League Cup: Semi-Final (1): 1983–84


• 
  Football League Trophy: Runners-Up (1): 2014–15

Attendances

• Highest League Attendance (at Fellows Park): 25,453 v. Newcastle United. Second Division (now Championship), 29 August 1961


• Highest League Attendance (at Bescot Stadium): 11,049 v. Rotherham United. First Division (now Championship), 9 May 2004


• Highest Third Division (now League One) Attendance: 19,589 v. Notts County, 18 March 1950


• Highest Fourth Division (now League Two) Attendance: 15,403 v. Carlisle United, 10 September 1959


• Highest FA Cup Attendance: 24,045 v. Fulham, 4th Round Replay, 30 January 1962


• Highest League Cup Attendance: 21,066 v. Liverpool. 4th Round, 17 February 1968


• Highest Football League Trophy Attendance: 10,038 v. Preston North End. Area Final Second Leg, 27 January 2015


• Highest Average Attendance (at Fellows Park): 15,711, 1947–48


• Highest Average Attendance (at Bescot Stadium): 7,853, 2003–04

Scores

• League Win: 10–0 v. Darwen. Second Division, 4 March 1899


• League Defeat: 0–12 v. Small Heath. Second Division, 17 December 1892


• Cup Win: 7–0 v. Macclesfield Town. FA Cup 2nd Round, 6 December 1997

Players

• Most Appearances: Jimmy Walker (534) 1993-04, 2010–12


• Most League Appearances: Colin Harrison (473) 1964–82


• Top Goalscorer: Alan Buckley (202) 1973–78, 1979–84


• Top League Goalscorer: Tony Richards (185) 1954–63


• Most Hattricks: Gilbert Alsop (22)


• Most League Goals in a Season: Gilbert Alsop (40) 1933–34, 1934–35


• Most capped player: Mick Kearns (15), Republic of Ireland


• Highest Transfer Fee Paid: £300,000 for Andreas Makris to Anorthosis Famagusta FC, August 2016


• Highest Transfer Fee Received: £1,000,000 for Scott Dann from Coventry City, January 2008

Sequences

• Most Games Won in a Row (7): 1959, 2005


• Most Games Lost in a Row (15): 1988–89


• Most Games without Defeat (21): 1979–80


• Most Games without Victory (18): 1988–89

Honours

League

Football League Third Division (now League One)

• Runners-Up (2): 1960–61, 1998–99

• Play-Off Winners (2): 1987–88, 2000–01

Football League Fourth Division (now League Two)

• Champions (2): 1959–60, 2006–07

• Runners-Up (2): 1979–80, 1994–95

Cup

Birmingham Senior Cup

• Winners (4): 1880–81 (as Walsall Swifts), 1896–97, 1897–98, 1993–94

Staffordshire Senior Cup

• Winners (4): 1881–82, 1884–85 (both Walsall Town), 1928–29, 1967–68

Walsall Senior Cup

• Winners (5): 1876–77 1877–78 1888–79 (all as Walsall Swifts), 2014–15, 2016–17

References

External links

• Official website


• Saddlers A-Z, player biographies and appearance info – Official Site


• WFC The Venue


• UpTheSaddlers – Forum


• Bescot Banter – Latest news/views