|
|
|
|
Walsall F.C.
|
| |
|
| |
Walsall Football Club are an English football club based in Walsall, West Midlands, currently playing in League One. The club was founded in 1888 as Walsall Town Swifts, an amalgamation of Walsall Town F.C. and Walsall Swifts F.C. The club were one of the founder members of the Second Division in 1892, but have spent their entire existence outside of English football's top division; their highest league finish was sixth in Division Two in 1898–99.
Walsall moved into their Bescot Stadium in 1990, having previously played at nearby Fellows Park.
Discussion
Ask a question about 'Walsall F.C.' Start a new discussion about 'Walsall F.C.' Answer questions from other users |
Encyclopedia
Walsall Football Club are an English football club based in Walsall, West Midlands, currently playing in League One. The club was founded in 1888 as Walsall Town Swifts, an amalgamation of Walsall Town F.C. and Walsall Swifts F.C. The club were one of the founder members of the Second Division in 1892, but have spent their entire existence outside of English football's top division; their highest league finish was sixth in Division Two in 1898–99.
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. The team play in a red and white kit and their club crest features a swift. They have rivalries with neighbouring Black Country teams, West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers. The club's nickname, The Saddlers, reflects Walsall's status as a traditional centre for saddle manufacture.
History
Walsall were formed as Walsall Town Swifts in 1888 when Walsall Town F.C. and Walsall Swifts F.C. amalgamated. Walsall Town had been founded in 1877 and Walsall Swifts in 1879. Walsall Town Swifts' first match was a draw against Aston Villa. In 1889 Town Swifts' first England international, Albert Aldridge was capped twice by his country. The club were first admitted to the Football League in 1892, as founder members of the new Second Division, but in 1894–95 finished 14th out of 16 teams and failed to be re-elected to the Football League. They changed their name to Walsall F.C. and joined the Midland League.
Walsall's highest "home" attendance was set in 1930, when they played in of front of 74,600 fans against Aston Villa in the FA Cup Fourth Round. 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. Walsall was a founding member of the Third Division North in 1921. In 1933 won 2–0 in the FA Cup against Arsenal, who went on to win the First Division that season.
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.
The 1980s were a period of considerable activity for Walsall. In 1983–84 they defeated First Division club Arsenal on the way to reaching the League Cup semi-final, where thet gained a 2–2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield, but lost the second leg 2–0 and the tie 4–2 on aggregate. Walsall narrowly missed out on promotion 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 race-horse 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 playoffs, 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. 1988–89 saw the club relegated from Division Two and Ramsden's business empire collapsed alongside the Japanese 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. 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 resigned in 1997, 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 departure. Whilst 'The Saddlers' finished 19th in Division Two that season, the club reached the 4th Round of the 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 beaten 7–0. Peterborough United, who themselves have a rich cup pedigree, were beaten on a bitterly cold Tuesday evening to set up a tie away at 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.
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. They were relegated on the final day of the following season, despite derby wins over local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers, Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion earlier in the campaign.
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. 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 fulfil 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 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 speculation, 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 3 May, 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.
On 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.
The club performed strongly in 2007–08, a season that included a run of 17 league matches without defeat, though they ultimately finished just outside the play-off places. Richard Money resigned as manager and Jimmy Mullen took over as caretaker manager before being given the job on a permanent basis.
Walsall officially opened its new training ground in Essington in July 2008, following two years of development. This gave the club its own dedicated training base for the first time in its history. In January 2009 Walsall sacked manager Jimmy Mullen and replaced him with their former player Chris Hutchings.
A timeline of Walsall's history
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. Ironically with West Brom Gaining Promotion in the same season as the inspirational Jason Koumas found himself scoring in their 2-0 victory as well.
- 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 changed the name of their ground from Bescot Stadium to the Banks's Stadium and introduce a new club crest.
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 ...."
Grounds
Fellows Park
Fellows Park was a former football stadium in Walsall, England. It was the home ground of Walsall F.C. from 1896 till 1990, when the team moved to the Bescot Stadium.
Bescot Stadium
The Bescot Stadium (currently known as Banks's Stadium for sponsorship purposes), situated in Bescot, Walsall, England, is the home ground of Walsall Football Club. It was built in 1990 at a cost of £28,000, 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
First team squad
Former players
For details on former players, see :Category:Walsall F.C. players.
Players of the season
Over the past few years it has become traditional that professional football clubs have a player of the season award, and Walsall Football Club is no different, for a number of years they have allowed supporters to vote for the player who they think deserves the award. The votes are then counted and the award is normally given out at the final home game of the season.
In the 2007–08 season however this wasn't the case. The club had a rewards evening for the first time where all the trophies were given out to the winners meaning it was not going to be done at the final home game of the season, which came as a disappointment for those who wasn't able to make the awards evening.
There has been no less than 10 winners since the rewards have been introduced to Walsall Football Club and for as far back as the Wikipedia records go there has only been 3 players who have won the award twice, Adrian Viveash, James Walker and Anthony Gerrard whom may have the first to win the award on three occasions if he remains at the club for the forthcoming 2008–09 season.
| Name | Season |
|---|
Anthony Gerrard | 2007–08 | | Dean Keates | 2006–07 | Anthony Gerrard | 2005–06 | | Matty Fryatt | 2004–05 | | 2003–04 | | Ian Roper | 2002–03 | | 2001–02 | | Jorge Leitão | 2000–01 | Gino Padula | 1999–2000 | | 1998–99 | | 1997–98 | | Adrian Viveash | 1996–97 | Adrian Viveash | 1995–96 | | 1994–95 |
Top goal scorers (season)
| Player | Goals | Season |
|---|
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 | 1992–93 | | 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 |
|---|
| Chairman | | Director | | Director | | Director | | Director | | Director of Finance | | Company Secretary | | MBE | President | | Honorary Life President |
Current management and coaching staff
| Name | Role |
|---|
Chris Hutchings | Manager | | Football Consultant | | Goalkeeping Coach & Reserve Team Manager | | Head of Youth | | Youth Development Officer | | Martin O'Connor | Assistant Manager | | Physio | | Assistant Physio |
Managerial history
Table Correct after game against Southend United F.C. on 7 March 2009.
Walsall have had 32 full-time Post-War managers. The most recent managers are:
| Name | From | To | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Win% | Honours |
|---|
Chris Hutchings | 20 January 2009 | Current | 11 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 36.36% | | | 22 May 2008 | 10 January 2009 | 27 | 10 | 4 | 13 | 37.04% | | Richard Money | 3 May 2006 | 22 April 2008 | 74 | 34 | 17 | 23 | 45.94% | Promotion to League One 2007 | | Kevan Broadhurst | 22 February 2006 | 24 April 2006 | 11 | 1 | 6 | 4 | 09.09% | | Paul Merson | 16 April 2004 | 6 February 2006 | 94 | 32 | 39 | 23 | 34.04% | | | Colin Lee | 24 January 2002 | 16 April 2004 | 116 | 38 | 48 | 30 | 32.75% | | Ray Graydon | 5 May 1998 | 22 January 2002 | 199 | 79 | 71 | 49 | 39.69% | Promotion to First Division 1999 & 2001 | | 25 June 1997 | 5 May 1998 | 62 | 26 | 23 | 13 | 41.93% | | Chris Nicholl | 1 August 1994 | 21 May 1997 | 157 | 71 | 45 | 41 | 45.22% | Promotion to Second Division 1995 | | Kenny Hibbitt | 16 May 1990 | 2 September 1994 | 201 | 69 | 77 | 55 | 34.32% | | |
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
External links
|
| |
|
|
