Our new Going Down The Wednesbury Road feature gives Saddlers fans the chance to share their memories of supporting the club down the years.
In the first of the new series, avid Walsall fan Dan Betts has talked through his favourite moments supporting the Saddlers.
What was your first ever game at the Banks's Stadium?
My first game was the 4-1 win over West Bromwich Albion in 2003. I was apparently asking to go all the time and my Dad gave in because it was West Brom. It was Paul Merson’s debut and it was a boiling hot day. I can just remember from that first game that I wanted to go every week because I just thought Walsall were amazing. Merson scored two screamers and we were 3-0 up at half time and then Corica hit a sweet volley in the second half.
What is the best game you’ve seen at the Banks’s Stadium?
My favourite game was the 4-0 win against Coventry City in 2013 when Dean Smith was starting to get the players to play in his way and because we lost 5-1 to Coventry in the first game of the year away at the Ricoh so it was a nice feeling to get one over on them.
Jamie Paterson, Craig Westcarr and Febian Brandy was superb oh the day. Paterson and Westcarr both got a brace and we looked unstoppable.
Who is the most talented player you’ve seen at the Banks’s Stadium?
Most talented player I’ve seen was Merson, 100%. Even though he was ageing, he looked so much smarter than everyone else on the pitch. His touches were second to none. He never had the best pace, even in him prime years but at Walsall he let the ball to the work and just glided past players and made everything look so easy.
Who is your favourite ever Walsall player?
My favourite player was Sawyers because he was a bit like Merson but more modern I’d say.
He was never afraid to pull out a trick to beat his man. He has unbelievable passing range and he could score goals. He doesn’t get the credit he deserves from his time with us. He was instrumental to when we finished in the League One play-offs and he got fans off their seat.
There was a big roar every time he got on the ball. I also remember he put a few Chelsea players on their backside in the cup which was brilliant.
Would you like to take part in the feature? Answer the four questions above and send your answers & a photo to paul.joannou@walsallfc.co.uk