July 13th is a date that holds a special place in the career of Mick Kearns and his association with Walsall FC.
It was on this day in 1973 that a young 22-year-old Kearns signed for Walsall, in a transfer from Oxford United.
He established himself as first choice goalkeeper and cemented his name as a club legend over the years.
Excluding a brief spell at local rivals Wolves between 1979 and 1981, Kearns made almost 300 appearances for the Saddlers between 1973 and 1985. Following his retirement from playing, Mick remained associated with the Club in different guises and remains involved with the Club to this day.
During his playing career at Walsall, Mick also became our most capped international player, collecting the majority of his caps for Republic of Ireland while in goal for Walsall. Most memorably, Mick returned to play for the Club shortly after his retirement to become an important member of the team that beat Arsenal at Highbury in the Fourth Round of the League Cup in late 1983. That team ultimately lost out to eventual winners Liverpool in a memorable two-leg semi-final affair and one of the most famous games to be played at Fellows Park.
After finally hanging up his gloves, Mick was invited by the Club to start the Walsall FC Community Programme in 1989. The Community Programme, now known as the Walsall FC Foundation, remains an important outreach department for the Club. Mick doubled up on his role as Head of Community by working with the first team coaching staff as Goalkeeper Coach. Mick has coached many goalkeepers and one player stands out in the long list of number 1’s.
Jimmy Walker joined Walsall FC in 1993 and struck up a close working and personal friendship with Mick. In his own right, Jimmy became a fan favourite and also established himself as a club legend in two spells with the Saddlers. Walker went on to play in the Premier League with West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur and credits Mick with helping develop him in to the goalkeeper that he became.
Walker gave his thoughts on his time knowing and being coached by Mick.
“From day one Mick always seemed to see something in me and it was him that convinced Kenny Hibbitt to take a chance on signing me,” Walker recalled.
“Mick has always been there for me and pushed me hard in training when he needed to. He always had good advice and support for me over my career and kept reminding me to, first and foremost, 'keep the ball out of the net.'
"I will always be grateful for the opportunity he gave me and the belief he showed. Without Mick I don’t think I would have achieved everything that I did throughout my career.
"I owe him so much, from the promotion years, playing in the Premier League, to the record appearances for the Saddlers. We have had a great relationship over the years and it remains strong today. It is such an amazing achievement to have been involved with the Club for so long. Everyone loves him, I loved working with him and I am pleased to be a part of this celebration.”
Mick remained in post as Head of Community until 2014 when he retired from that role and handed the reins to current Head of Foundation, Adam Davy.
“I first met Mick in 1994 when I joined the scheme as a trainee football coach. He gave me an opportunity to work in professional football when I was fresh out of studying a BTEC in Sport at College,” said Davy.
“Over the years Mick has been my boss, a mentor, a shoulder to lean on and, most importantly, a good friend. His 50 year association with the Club is a huge achievement and I am proud to be able to play a small part in it and thank him for his guidance and support over the years. I am so pleased that we are able to recognise his achievement.”
When leaving his role as Head of Community, Mick was immediately invited to join the Board of Trustees of the Foundation, by Davy and then Chair of Trustees Dan Mole, to help guide and lead all of the great work that the scheme carries out for the Club. Mick also had a stint as co-commentator on Saddlers Player and later iFollow. He also remains a Club Ambassador and can be seen attending games throughout the season.
Club Chief Operating Officer, Dan Mole, added: “To be associated with the Club for 50 years is a tremendous achievement and shows a real dedication from Mick. I know that he has loved every minute of his time with Walsall FC. He is rightfully proud of his achievements and impact, both on and off the pitch, and we are delighted to mark this special occasion.”
On Saturday 12th August Mick will be the guest of honour for our opening game of the 2023/24 season against Stockport County and will be talking to fans in the hospitality areas of The Poundland Bescot Stadium.
We are sure that staff, players and supporters will all recognise Mick’s 50 years of dedication to Walsall FC.