Walsall Supporters’ bid to protect stadium

The Trust insist asking Walsall Borough Council to make the Saddlers’ home an Asset of Community Value is not the precursor to a bid.

But it would improve the chances of fans buying the ground should it become available on the open market at any point.

Under the rules of the ACV, supporters would be notified of any formal bid for the Banks’s and then have six months to submit one of their own.

Trust secretary Steve Davies explained: “The ACV effectively acts as a safeguard, giving fans the chance to buy the ground should it become available. It does not mean we are preparing a bid, or that we think the ground might become available anytime soon.

“Neither is it a comment on the current regime. We have a good relationship with the board and are satisfied with the job being done.

“It is merely to give the site itself a bit of protection. A number of other supporters’ trusts have opted to go down this route since the legislation came into being in 2012.

“It is something we have been discussing as a trust for some time.”

The council will now rule on the application, which can be opposed by Saddlers owner Jeff Bonser, who bought the freehold for the Banks’s Stadium and the surrounding land through his pension fund which is owned by finance firm Suffolk Life.

Last year, the club asked the council to consider buying the ground themselves.

Davies added: “As far as we can see one previous ACV has been rejected, so we are reasonably confident.

“We feel it is in the best interests of the club, its employees supporters and the local community.”

Fans will get the chance to quiz new Saddlers boss Dean Keates when the club host a Meet the Manager event.

It is due to take place in the Savoy Lounge, starting at 7.30pm.