Bert Williams comes home

Once a Saddler always a Saddler. It was a pleasure to see a sprightly Bert Williams MBE at Bescot last Saturday, writes Walsall blogger Mark Jones.

The oldest surviving England International, Bert is an absolute legend and a true gentleman to boot.

Writing an England fans' blog during the 2010 World Cup, I congratulated Bert on being awarded the MBE by saying it was a great honour for an ex-Saddler. I was then taken to task by a wulferhamperton wonderers supporter for 'claiming him as your own'. I suggested (in a very polite manner naturally) a quick flick through the record books.

Bert achieved a hell of a lot in his career but his time at Fellows Park should not be overlooked. Apparently he used to regularly walk the five miles from his Bradley home to the ground, can you imagine a modern-day player doing that?

During the war, like most players of that era, he guested for other clubs whilst serving with the RAF; but he was our player when he won Wartime and Victory International caps. Us Saddlers have always been very proud to call him one of our own and we always will be.

* Quite what Bert thought about the (lack of) quality of our performance against Tranmere would be anybody's guess.

If Dean Smith had strolled across the technical area on 75 minute, a goal down remember, to ask his counterpart Mr Moore how he'd like us to spend the last quarter of an hour plus, I'm pretty sure Ronnie would have said something along the lines of:

'Change your shape so you've got less width, I know your wide players haven't exactly done the business today but we'd prefer it kept narrow.

Your three flair players are capable of causing us problems when they get on the ball, try not to give it to them at all if possible.

And our defenders will mop up long balls hoofed into the box all day long, so if you could resort to that tactic we'll be fine, you could even send your centre half up, it won't bother us unduly. Remember the longer the better.

You do that and we'll stick to our horrible spoiling tactics. Thanks very much.'

So our tactical naivety means that we now face a nervy final three weekends of the season. Better pull your fingers out lads.

* Arranging the Bert Williams visit to the Stadium and half-time appearance on the pitch, as they have done with many ex-players this season, were the good people of the Walsall Supporters Trust.

This past season has seen a rise in membership, the formation of their own football team, event nights, plenty of money raised for charity and the marking of Super Jim's appearance record with face masks and some special beer.

The Trust Board have also been working, behind the scenes as such, continuing to contact parties interested in moving the club forward; which is obviously a complex process requiring confidentiality and a great deal of patience.

So I'm sure both members and non-members may be interested in attending this year's Trust AGM, which takes place tonight at 7.30 pm in the upstairs room at the New Inn (aka the Pretty Bricks), John Street, Walsall, WS2 8AF.