Walsall welcome back legend Allan Clarke
Walsall supporters welcomed back one of the club’s most famous sons when Allan Clarke returned to the town last night.
The legendary striker was at Rushall Olympic’s Dales Lane ground as part of an event raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Society.
Clarke, who grew up in Short Heath, scored 46 goals in 82 appearances for the Saddlers after joining the club as an apprentice in the mid-1960s.
He later went on to star for Fulham, Leicester City and most famously Leeds United, where he won the league, FA Cup and Uefa Cup during a glittering career.
More than 100 supporters attended last night’s event, which also featured two other former Saddlers favourites in the shape of Nick Atthey and Richard O’Kelly. Clarke, who now lives in Scunthorpe, said: “I always love coming home. I was at Walsall from the age of 15 to 19 and I have always appreciated the support I’ve had. I have some very happy memories from my time with the club, which I will always cherish.”
In addition to a question and answer session involving Clarke, the evening also featured an auction of sporting memorabilia including signed match-worn shirts from Wolves, Albion, Villa and Saddlers, as well as a signed photo of England World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks.
Organisers chose to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society in memory of legendary Walsall, Wolves and England keeper Bert Williams.
