Chris Marsh: Taxi? I nicked the Walsall team bus!

And the story about the ‘Cab Four’ – the four players who allegedly stole a taxi in Spain – reminded me of something I did when I was playing.

Under Ray Graydon, we would often train at Lilleshall. And in the 1999/2000 season we were battling to stay in the old Division One.

In one way it was a great year because we beat Albion twice, we also beat Wolves and Blues. But ultimately we went down which was devastating.

At one point in the season we were on a bad run and while we were training at Lilleshall, I noticed that the kit man had left our mini-bus running.

Along the side of the pitches, there were country roads and I wanted to do something to cheer the lads up.

So I nicked the bus. I got Dean Keates to jump in and be my passenger. I charged him a child’s fare because he is so small.

And I went and parked it behind a bush. The lads were crying with laughter.

Ray didn’t see the funny side though. He and the kit man thought the bus had been nicked.

But he quickly realised what had happened and called all the players together. He told us if one of us didn’t own up, he would keep us there all night.

He would have as well. So I had to own up. And as soon as I did, Graydon just looked at me and said he knew it would have been me.

I tried to explain to him I was just trying to cheer the lads up. But he fined me two weeks’ wages on the spot. I was furious. He also tried to fine Keatsy but I convinced him I had kidnapped him.

Interestingly, Ray also told the Press. But looking back, that was quite a clever move. Our next game was against Blues. It was on a Friday night, it was being shown live on Sky and I’ll never forget watching it back.

At the start of the programme, they were showing shots of us warming up. They went to Andy Rammell and the commentator said he’s the top scorer.

Next was Adrian Viveash who was described as our leader at the back.

And then they got to me. Normally they would say something like: “Marsh has the most outfield appearances.”

But this time it was: “Chris Marsh: He’s the one that stole the bus.” They then all burst out laughing.

Ray telling the Press, though, really got me motivated. I knew if we had lost the game, he would have brought up again post match.

So I did absolutely everything I could to make sure he wasn’t on my back. My ex-wife was on my back after she saw my paypacket following the fine. But thankfully the boys were on my side and we dug out a 1-0 win with Rammell scoring.

Incidents like the Albion one used to happen a lot in my playing days.

I remember one night we all went out as players dressed like Elvis Presley. A few beers later and a few grievances had come up.

And before we knew it we were all scrapping, there were wigs everywhere. Back then you could get away with it a bit more. We gave our all in training and on the pitch so we could have a laugh.

But there was no social media so it was unlikely you’d ever get caught out.

With the way things are the Albion players should have known better. I think they have let Alan Pardew down.

That’s the way the game is now, you can’t get away with anything. And those experienced players all know that.

Sometimes only points matter

Eight points from 12 and four matches unbeaten – you have to say it’s been a successful couple of weeks for Walsall.

The Saddlers did enough to beat MK Dons at home. They then secured a good point at Blackpool.

And Jon Whitney’s men then ruthlessly swept aside a Doncaster outfit who I thought were very poor on the night.

Those games gave the team a great platform heading into Saturday’s clash at Gillingham.

The Gills have been fantastic ever since Steve Lovell was appointed boss.

And they have now extended their unbeaten run at Priestfield to 10 matches after Walsall held them to a goalless draw.

I’ve read comments from Saddlers fans who were at the Gillingham game and while they all accepted it was a good point, a lot were unhappy with the way the team played.

Walsall had just two shots on target and didn’t show a lot of ambition or adventure.

But with my football head on, I have to say I don’t think that matters at this stage of the season.

I fully understand the fans’ frustrations. Gillingham is a long way to go, it would have been an expensive day out.

But when you get this close to the end of the season it’s all about results, performances really don’t matter.

Despite their impressive recent form, the Saddlers remain just five points above the drop zone.

They could have played great in Kent and lost. Then they would be just four points from safety.

We are much better off with that point in the bag – especially when you look at the fixtures coming up.