THE SADDLERS initially secured the services of up-and-coming Everton defender, Anthony Gerrard on loan until the end of the 2004/2005 season on March 24th 2005 before making the deal permanent just weeks after the end of the campaign.

The 22 year-old, who is the cousin of Liverpool's Steve Gerrard, was highly thought of at Goodison Park as he came through the Academy ranks to sign professional forms in the summer of 2004 and establish a regular place in The Toffees' reserve team.

The Liverpool-born youngster, who had a loan spell at Nationwide Conference outfit, Accrington Stanley at the start of 2004/05, adapted well to life in The Football League as he put in a number of solid and no-nonsense displays that soon endeared him to The Saddlers' faithful and helped bring about an upturn in fortunes for the club.

An assured central defender, he is strong in the tackle and comfortable on the ball. After being allowed to leave Everton at the end of the 2004/05 season, he turned down the advances of a number of other clubs in order to sign a two-year deal here at the Banks's Stadium.

His first full season for the club saw him scoop the Player of the Year award after putting in numerous no-nonsense displays and in 2006/07 he did well whenever called upon despite suffering at the hands of injury on a couple of occasions as the club claimed the League Two title.

Adapting extremely well at the higher level, his performances were such that he deservedly scooped both the Player of the Season and Players' Player of the Season awards.