SADDLERS' Chief Executive, Roy Whalley looks back over 2009...

"It's usual, as we approach the end of another year, to look back over the previous 12 months, at the ups and downs of our fortunes both on and off-the-field.

"In all honesty, it has probably not been one of the most dramatic years in our history, but it has been a time of consolidation, when decisions and actions that have been taken will hold the club in good stead for the future.

"You will recall that in January there was a strong feeling that we might have a relegation battle on our hands. The subsequent change of management and the appointment of Chris Hutchings and Martin O'Connor had the desired effect and led to an improvement in performances and results.

"The playing highlights of the early part of the year were probably the 1-0 victory over Leeds United and another 1-0 win, this time at MK Dons, which deprived our hosts of any chance of gaining automatic promotion.

"The summer saw Mick Halsall leave the club to take up a youth coaching position at Wolves. He was replaced as Head of Youth by Dean Smith and this meant that our football management team consisted of three former players of the club, who incidentally had all captained The Saddlers during their playing days here.

"Looking back over the year, these appointments seem to have been very well judged and we can all feel that as we move towards 2010, the playing fortunes of the club are in very capable hands.

"We approach the half-way stage of the season on the fringes of the play-offs. Early exits from the three main Cup competitions were obviously disappointing, but there have been plenty of indications in our League displays to suggest that we can enjoy a successive second half of the campaign.

"Off-the-field, the Training Ground at Broad Lane is now well-established and is spoken about in glowing terms by both the coaching and playing staff. It is a major step forward for the club to have its own training base and will reap long-term benefit for us.

"The landscape of the Banks's Stadium changed when we were required to remove the three advertising signs off the roof of the Dains Stand. These were replaced by probably the largest, free-standing illuminated motorway advertising sign in Europe, which we hope will yield considerable financial benefits to the club during the coming years.

"Despite the recession, the club were able to announce another trading profit, which, in the current economic climate, and compared with what is going on at other clubs, can be considered quite an achievement.

"We've had some ups and downs, but on the whole, the club leaves 2009 in decent shape. And looking capable of providing supporters with plenty of entertainment and playing success in 2010.

"Happy New Year to you all."