A familiar face visited the Banks’s Stadium earlier this week.
Former midfielder Darko Mavrak scored two goals in 22 appearances for the Saddlers, helping us win promotion from Division Two under Ray Graydon in 1998/99.
Darko popped down on Tuesday to catch up with a few old faces, and also took in our Development Squad match at Birmingham County FA.
We grabbed a quick word with Darko to discuss his time with the Saddlers…
Q: What are your memories of your playing days with Walsall?
A: Nothing but the best. Since I finished, it’s been in my memories. To play here with the fans, the atmosphere, and just being part of it, was great. We got promoted at the time and I remember all the local derbies with West Brom, Wolverhampton and Birmingham. It was a great experience.
Q: What was that 1998/99 promotion season like?
A: Yes, it was incredible! It was just great to be a part of. Ray Graydon was fantastic, very passionate. I really enjoyed working with him. There was so much excitement, thinking that the next year we were going to play in the Championship. It was something special and I wish it could do it all again!
Q: Current Saddlers boss Dean Keates was part of that squad, what was he like to play with?
A: Dean was really, really good. Physically he wasn’t the tallest or stronger – but his work rate and passion to play for the club was something special. That’s probably why all the fans couldn’t wait to see him back. I’m delighted for him to come back to Bescot and I wish him well.