Walsall Football Club: Introduction

Walsall Football Club, nicknamed “The Saddlers,” is a professional football team based in Walsall, West Midlands, England. Founded in 1888, Walsall FC has a long history, primarily playing in the lower tiers of English football. Their nickname, “The Saddlers,” reflects Walsall’s traditional association with the leather trade and saddle-making.

Walsall currently plays football in English League Two, and we wish them luck. All in all, the club has a famous name and has much respect from football fans up and down the country. So here is our overview of the club.

Before we continue, here’s a link to the club’s official website.

Key Details:

• Founded: 1888 (as Walsall Town Swifts)
• Stadium: Bescot Stadium (also known as the Poundland Bescot Stadium due to sponsorship), with a capacity of approximately 11,000.
• Location: Walsall, West Midlands, England.
• Club Colours: Red and white.
• Current League: EFL League Two (as of the 2023-2024 season).
• Chairman: Leigh Pomlett.
• Manager: Mat Sadler (as of 2023-2024).

Walsall Football Club: History

Foundation and Early Years

Walsall FC was formed in 1888 through the merger of two local clubs, Walsall Town and Walsall Swifts, initially as Walsall Town Swifts before shortening the name to Walsall FC. The club became one of the founding members of the Second Division of the Football League in 1892 but struggled during its early years.

The club’s early decades were marked by moving between leagues and a struggle to maintain a consistent performance. However, they earned a loyal following from the local community.

Rise Through the Leagues

Walsall spent much of the early to mid-20th century in the lower divisions of English football. Their highest point in history came in the late 1950s and early 1960s, when they achieved promotion to the Second Division (now known as the Championship) in 1961. Despite this success, they couldn’t sustain it for long and were relegated again.

The club has largely played in the lower leagues, experiencing ups and downs but maintaining stability and a committed fanbase. They have also had some notable cup runs, including giant-killing acts in the FA Cup and the League Cup.

Modern Era and Bescot Stadium

Walsall moved to the Bescot Stadium in 1990 after leaving their old ground, Fellows Park, which had been their home for 104 years. Bescot Stadium is now an important part of the club’s identity, and it often hosts events and activities besides football.

In the 2000s and 2010s, Walsall primarily played in League One (the third tier of English football), before being relegated to League Two in 2019. Their fortunes have fluctuated, but they have managed to remain competitive and financially stable compared to many clubs in the lower leagues.

Walsall Football Club: Key Moments and Achievements

• Promotions:
  • Promoted to the Second Division in 1961.
  • Promoted to League One (then Division Two) in 1995, 1999, and 2001.
  • A notable promotion came in 2016 when Walsall finished 3rd in League One, narrowly missing out on automatic promotion to the Championship, only to be defeated in the play-offs.
• Cup Runs:
  • One of the most memorable moments in Walsall’s history came in 1933 when they famously defeated Arsenal, the reigning First Division champions, in the FA Cup, which is still one of the most famous upsets in the competition’s history.
  • The Saddlers also reached the Football League Trophy final in 2015, but Bristol City won that game 2-0 at Wembley.

Although Walsall has won the league’s fourth tier, they have won no major cups. However, they have won the Birmingham Senior Cup 4 times and the Staffordshire Senior Cup 4 times too. So, Walsall’s trophy cabinet is full of more minor cups.

Walsall Football Club: Rivalries

Walsall’s traditional rival is Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves), though the two clubs rarely meet due to Wolves’ status in higher divisions in recent years. Other local rivals include West Bromwich Albion, Birmingham City, and Shrewsbury Town, although these rivalries are less intense.

Walsall’s fans love to beat the following teams: Port Vale and Burton Albion.

Stadium: Bescot Stadium

• Opened: 1990
• Capacity: 11,000
• Location: The stadium is situated in the Banks’s Stadium Retail Park and has hosted Walsall’s home games since its opening.
• Facilities: The stadium has four stands, with the largest being the Tile Choice Stand. It also hosts a range of other events, including conferences and boxing matches. They play their home games at the Bescot Stadium in a red and white strip. The stadium and the supporters can create an electric atmosphere.

Walsall Football Club: Notable Players

Over the years, Walsall has seen several players go on to have distinguished careers:

• Jeff Bonser: Long-time chairman, instrumental in guiding the club through difficult financial periods.
• Allan Clarke: A notable figure from the 1960s who later enjoyed success as a manager with Leeds United.
• Jorge Leitão: A Portuguese striker who became a fan favourite in the early 2000s.

Youth Development

Walsall FC has always been keen on youth development. Their academy has produced several talented players who have gone on to play at higher levels. Some players who emerged from their youth system include Matty Fryatt and Scott Dann.

Recent Developments

In the 2023-2024 season, Walsall are competing in League Two after struggling in the past few seasons. Under the management of Mat Sadler, they are looking to rebuild and push for promotion back to League One.

Support and Community Involvement

Walsall is known for having a passionate and loyal fanbase despite its size. The club is also heavily involved in community outreach programs, including school and youth initiatives, as well as charity work through the Walsall FC Community Programme. The Saddlers are an essential part of Walsall’s identity, with strong ties to local businesses and organizations.

Walsall Football Club: In Conclusion

Walsall FC may not have the prestige or history of a top-flight club, but it boasts a rich heritage, a dedicated following, and a history of bouncing back from adversity. Their community involvement, passionate fans, and resilience make them a beloved club in the West Midlands football scene.

Promote Walsall Football Club

Indeed, you can promote Walsall FC in the Football Fan Base here, just like many other soccer supporters. However, they are promoting their favourite football team! So, why not join in with us at the Fanbase and enjoy the Football banter with other like-minded supporters.

Walsall Fans Forum

Due to our expansion here at the Fanbase Network, our forum just got that much bigger. So much so that we now include the Walsall Fans Forum on our message boards. So, now you have no excuse. Promote your favourite football team above your rivals before they trump yours!

**Information updated on September 5, 2024.