Bates backing former protege in tie

Former Glassboys striker Bates, who scored 197 goals between 1969 and 1974, sold Hackett to Aberdeen for £85,000 in 1987 when boss of Shrewsbury.

The Saddlers travel to Amblecote on Saturday for their FA Cup first round tie with Bates sensing an upset and believes Hackett, now boss of Stourbridge, will surprise the League One visitors.

Bates said: "Gary was a winger and a very attacking player, so I'd be very surprised if they didn't take the game to Walsall to get an early goal.

"If Stourbridge get the first goal then it gives them something to hold onto and, although Walsall are professionals, Gary has been in the game along time.

"As a winger he would look to beat people and get the ball in the box. He was very creative and thought a lot about the game."

Bates formed a devastating partnership with Ray Haywood – the pair scoring 101 goals between them in the 1973-74 season – which led Stourbridge to the Welsh Cup final against Cardiff.

They lost the two-legged final 2-0 on aggregate – going down 1-0 in both games – and Saturday's clash is the Glassboys' biggest game since.

Bates can recall the atmosphere and excitement of the cup run but has a big regret from the year.

He said: "I had a superb partnership with Ray, he scored 50 goals and I scored 51, unfortunately we couldn't score against Cardiff in the final, which was our one disappointment.

"It was a night game and I got to the ground and there were already 2,000 people in an hour-and-a-half before kick-off. Cardiff brought 800 fans with them and it was a fantastic atmosphere."

The West Bromwich born 59-year-old is confident Walsall will find it just as tough as the Bluebirds did 35 years ago.

He said: "It's going to be a hard game. Gary has been in the footballing ranks a long time and is a top manager. He'll get his side organised.

"Cup shocks happen and there could be one there. If Stourbridge get a draw I think Gary will be happy."