Walsall chairman pays tribute to director Clive Welch who has died aged 75

Welch, who joined the club's board in 1991 shortly after Bonser took over at the Saddlers, has passed away following a long battle with illness.

A successful hotelier in Blackpool, he was a regular at home and away matches despite being based in the north-west.

Bonser described Welch as a "very close and dear friend" and hailed his passion for the club.

"Clive has been an extremely valuable member of the board for the past 23 years," said Bonser. "I was first introduced to him in the early 1990s and it was clear to see straight away how deeply he cared for the club.

"At a time when we were losing thousands of pounds each week, he stepped up to the plate.

"He had no hesitation in investing in our future back then and he has continued to do so over the past two decades.

"During that time he has become a very close and dear friend and this is an extremely sad day for me and everyone associated with the club."

Club legend Mick Kearns revealed he first got to know Welch during his playing days, when the future director was still a supporter.

Welch was a huge help in getting the club's award-winning Community Programme off the ground.

"I knew him before he became a director because he was a really ardent supporter," said Kearns.

"I knew he had been ill for some time but when I retired last year he still took the time to give me a call.

"I will have very fond memories of him and this is a sad day."