Walsall; Dont throw it away.

By Alan Stokes
November 19 2002

As anticipation levels at Bescot have soared beyond our wildest expectations lets all take time out for a reality check. Look at what has been achieved at our club over the last 10 years and then look forward.

As the talk amongst the Bescot faithful slips nervously from mid table security to thoughts of relegation dog fights let us pause and reflect on how far we have progressed over the last 10 years.

As we were throwing away 3 points against Wimbledon at Selhurst Park, 10 years ago we were being entertained at Millmoor in the first round of the F.A. Cup. Immediately the first sign of progress has been established. Unfortunately the few hundred Saddlers fans amongst the 4000 at Millmoor witnessed Rotherham dish out a 4-0 thrashing thus ending the Saddlers interest in the premier cup competition. This result however was not a disgrace as at the time the mighty Millers were in a higher division.

We were competing under Hibbitt’s stewardship for the third consecutive season in the basement division having previously finished 16th and 15th. These were certainly dark days for the Saddlers and the fans. We were witnessing epic battles against Hereford, Halifax, Doncaster, Barnet and Scarborough. It is quite amazing looking at the comparative differences in the paths taken between ourselves and our old allies from only a decade ago.

Indeed, crowds averaging 3590 at the relatively new Bescot Stadium were witnessing the delights of Dean Smith; the boxing skills of Rod McDonald and the wing wizardry of our new Aussie import Scott Ollerenshaw. Drawing a direct comparison with today we now have Danny Hay, Darren Wrack with our Aussie friend being replaced by fellow countryman Steve Corica. Really, there is no comparison.

Obviously, with our steady progress on the pitch over the last decade so fans’ expectations have risen. Will anyone own up to singing on April 3rd 1993 “Hibbitt must stay” on the terraces of Saltergate as we lost 2-1 to Chesterfield? Take it from me, there were a few hundred Saddlers fans deeply concerned that Hibbitt was about to take over the hot seat at Molineux. It is staggering looking back now to see how far we have progressed and how our hopes and dreams have risen beyond our wildest expectations.

As for how the season finished? Well, I can say without doubt the highlights of the season were defeating our old adversaries Crewe 1-0 home and away within a 10 day period thus eventually securing a place in the Play-Offs. Unfortunately, we came up against our friends Naylor and Co. once again in the Semi Final of said Play Offs. Enough said as we were confined to another season in the basement division. We didn’t have to wait too long however before our rise from the ashes under the astute guidance of Sir Chris Nicholl began. This was followed up expertly by the shrewd Sir Ray as we continued to grow and develop until we reached the promised land of the elite Nationwide League.

We are now in a position to be able to establish ourselves at this level under the professional guidance of Lord Lee. We have players who have undoubted quality, we have facilities that 10 years ago we could only dream about. We have doubled our support and are watching without doubt an excellent standard of football. We are taking in trips to Pride Park, Walkers Stadium and the Custard Bowl.

The message is: LET’S NOT THROW IT ALL AWAY.
I would hate to return to the days of regular visits to Gay Meadow and Spotland – no disrespect intended guys.