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WALSALL'S FIXTURES RELEASED

2013-06-19T09:20:00.000+01:00

The Football League have today released the fixtures for the coming season, and following a recent court ruling we're now able to share them with you, visit our dedicated '2013/14 Fixtures' page for the full round up of games.

Here are some of the key dates;

Walsall open the season on August 3rd, at home to Tranmere Rovers, the Saddlers' first derby game is away to Wolverhampton Wanderers on 7th September, Boxing Day sees the Saddlers visit Bristol City, Wolves visit us on 8th March 2014. Walsall face potential tenants Coventry City at home on 26th October and away on February 1st. The Saddlers face Shrewsbury Town on 14th December away and 29th March at home. The Saddlers finish the season at home to Colchester United on 3rd May.

PURKISS CONFIRMS DESIRE TO STAY

2013-06-17T23:22:00.001+01:00

Walsall defender Ben Purkiss has tonight confirmed his desire to remain at the club.

Earlier today it was reported Saddlers manager Dean Smith was due to meet Ben to discuss his new contract, Ben however took to Twitter to clear up any confusion, "In Spain, not with the gaffer unless he's flying out to meet me but I think that's unlikely. No need. I love Walsall so will be back anyways"

SMITH - "HAPPY WITH PROGRESS"

2013-06-17T13:33:00.001+01:00

Walsall manager has today told saddlers.co.uk he is happy with the behind-the-scenes progress being made as he continues to look to add to the Saddlers squad, Smith also spoke of his delight as the main body of the squad is tied to the club for atleast the next season.

Smith said, "It's a credit to the direction that the club is going in that there will be no major overhaul of players this year," said Smith. "It means that we will be able to hit the ground running and hopefully continue advancing down the road that we want to be on.

"Things have gone smoothly so far and we're certainly moving in the right direction. I'm having regular talks with players; I met with Febian Brandy recently and have spoken with Will Grigg, whose representatives have been in discussions with the club, whilst I will be sitting down with Ben Purkiss shortly.

"I'm also in dialogue with a number of goalkeepers and other players whom I feel would stengthen us in certain areas so, as I say, things are going well."

SMITH OFFERS CONTRACT UPDATES

2013-06-17T13:05:00.002+01:00

Walsall manager Dean Smith has today clarified the current state of three of the soon-to-be out-of-contract players.

Speaking to the Express and Star, Smith said of striker Will Grigg, "The situation currently is that Will is on holiday, he gets back later this week and then we will have a decision, Hopefully, that will result in him signing a new contract and staying but one way or the other his situation will be sorted."

Grigg's strike partner Febian Brandy, who is the target of several other clubs is said to be in an 'indecisive place', Smith confirmed, "I know he has spoken to several agents and I have had a meeting with him and explained my position. But, obviously, there comes a time when I have to know what he is going to do. We are due back training on June 24 and if he is not going to stay or can’t come to a decision, we may have to move on."

Regarding defender Ben Purkiss, Smith will be sitting down with the 29-year-old this afternoon, and hopes are high for swift conclusion.

WALSALL DRAWN AWAY IN CAPITAL ONE CUP

2013-06-17T10:58:00.002+01:00

Walsall have been drawn away to newly promoted Port Vale in Round One of the Capital One Cup.

Saddlers manager, and former Vale defender Dean Smith told saddlers.co.uk, "It will be a tough game, It's a local game so there should be a decent crowd and atmosphere."

He continued, "They did well last season, so it will be a chance for us to see what they are like before our two League games against them."

The fixture will be played in the week commencing August 5th 2013.

WALSALL SEEDED FOR CAPITAL ONE CUP FIRST ROUND

2013-06-16T22:58:00.003+01:00

Walsall Football Club will be amongst the seeded sides for Round One of this seasons Capital One Cup. The draw for the first round takes place on tomorrow at 9:30am.

Join us here or on our Twitter and Facebook pages for the outcome of the draw.

Here is the complete seeded and non-seeded list;

Seeds - North

1. Barnsley
2. Blackburn Rovers
3. Blackpool
4. Bolton Wanderers
5. Burnley
6. Crewe Alexandra
7. Derby County
8. Doncaster Rovers
9. Huddersfield Town
10. Leeds United
11. Middlesbrough
12. Nottingham Forest
13. Notts County
14. Sheffield United
15. Sheffield Wednesday
16. Tranmere Rovers
17. WALSALL
18. Wolverhampton Wanderers

Non seeds - North

19. Accrington Stanley
20. Bradford City
21. Burton Albion
22. Bury
23. Carlisle United
24. Chesterfield
25. Fleetwood Town
26. Hartlepool United
27. Mansfield Town
28. Morecambe
29. Oldham Athletic
30. Port Vale
31. Preston North End
32. Rochdale
33. Rotherham United
34. Scunthorpe United
35. Shrewsbury Town
36. York City

Seeds - South

1. AFC Bournemouth
2. Birmingham City
3. Brentford
4. Brighton and Hove Albion
5. Bristol City
6. Charlton Athletic
7. Crawley Town
8. Ipswich Town
9. Leicester City
10. Leyton Orient
11. Millwall
12. Milton Keynes Dons
13. Peterborough United
14. Queens Park Rangers
15. Swindon Town
16. Watford
17. Yeovil Town

Non seeds - South

18. AFC Wimbledon
19. Bristol Rovers
20. Cheltenham Town
21. Colchester United
22. Coventry City
23. Dagenham and Redbridge
24. Exeter City
25. Gillingham
26. Newport County
27. Northampton Town
28. Oxford United
29. Plymouth Argyle
30. Portsmouth
31. Southend United
32. Stevenage
33. Torquay United
34. Wycombe Wanderers

NEW GOALKEEPING COACH APPOINTED

2013-06-14T10:41:00.002+01:00

Walsall Football Club have completed the signing of former West Bromwich Albion, Aston Villa and Stoke City goalkeeper Neil Cutler as a goalkeeping coach.

36-year-old Cutler has left his role of 'keeper coach at Scunthorpe United to take up the position vacated by the newly retired, Mick Kearns.

Neil began his career as an apprentice at West Bromwich Albion but after spells on loan with Coventry City and Chester City departed for Crewe Alexandra without playing a game for the club.

Cutler failed to make an appearance for Crewe and after spending another spell on loan with Chester, joined The Blues on a permanent basis in the summer of 1998.

After just one season at Chester, Neil joined Aston Villa but again failed to make an impact, he departed the Villa Park club for Stoke City in 2001, going on to make around seventy appearances over three years with the Potters.

In March 2003 he joined Swansea City and played in the final 13 league games, he then joined Stockport County on a permanent basis in the summer of 2004.

After over twenty Stockport appearances he joined Rotherham United in August 2005, where, after two seasons and around seventy appearances he was forced into retirement, due to a persistent back injury.

He joined Bury as a goalkeeping coach. Neil re-registered as a player at the club in November 2010 due to a major goalkeeping crisis.

In March 2011, Cutler followed manager Alan Knill and Assistant Manager Chris Brass in leaving the club for Scunthorpe United.

Scunthorpe manager Brian Laws confirmed "We have agreed to let Neil go in principle and move to Walsall, nearer his family home. We are disappointed to lose him but I completely understand the situation and we wish him well."

He continued, "There is no doubt Neil has done a great job here."

125th ANNIVERSARY GOALKEEPERS KIT REVEALED

2013-06-12T20:54:00.002+01:00

Walsall Football Club have today unveiled what we believe to be the new goalkeepers' kits for the 2013/14 season.

Produced by Diadora, the kits will play a part in the marking of the clubs 125th anniversary season, according to saddlers.co.uk, "the home shirt has been designed with memorable moments from our past in mind but with a modern and exciting twist."

Whilst the Saddlers are yet to sign a first-choice 'keeper we are led to believe the club are close to signing Bury goalkeeper Cameron Belford.

AWAY

HOME

125th ANNIVERSARY AWAY KIT REVEALED

2013-06-12T09:54:00.002+01:00

Walsall Football Club have today unveiled the new away kit for the 2013/14 season.

Produced by Diadora, the kits will play a part in the marking of the clubs 125th anniversary season, according to saddlers.co.uk, "the home shirt has been designed with memorable moments from our past in mind but with a modern and exciting twist."

125th ANNIVERSARY HOME KIT REVEALED

2013-06-12T09:39:00.000+01:00

Walsall Football Club have today unveiled the new home kit for the 2013/14 season.

The kits will play a part in the marking of the clubs 125th anniversary season, according to saddlers.co.uk, "the home shirt has been designed with memorable moments from our past in mind but with a modern and exciting twist."

ADAM CHAMBERS COMMITS TO THE CLUB

2013-06-11T11:34:00.000+01:00

Walsall midfielder Adam Chambers has agreed a new two-year deal with the club.

Chambers' career began at Grove Vale F.C in 1996, before signing for West Bromwich Albion as an apprentice in July 1997.After progressing through Albion's youth system, he turned professional in January 1999.

In the 1998/99 season Adam and his brother James became the first twins to represent England at any level when they appeared together during the World Youth Tournament in Nigeria.

Adam made his first team debut for Albion on 9 September 2000, coming on as a substitute in a 0–0 draw away at Stockport County.

Adam played more than 60 times for Albion, but often struggled to hold down a first team place. During the 2003/04 season, he went on loan to Sheffield Wednesday. In February 2005, his contract at Albion was terminated by mutual consent, and he briefly joined Kidderminster Harriers.

After Injury ruled him out of the 2005–06 season completely Adam signed a one-year contract with Leyton Orient at the beginning of the 2006/07 campaign. On 5 February 2007, Chambers signed a two and a half year contract which keeps him at the club until the end of the 2008–09 season. Chambers scored his first goal for 15 months in the 2–1 defeat to Southend United on December 28, 2009 with a 20 yard volley.

After being released by the Orient at the end of the 2010/11 season, Adam signed for Walsall in July 2011 on a one-year deal, with an option of a further year. Adam made a sucessful start to his Saddlers career by scoring on his competitive debut against former club Orient with a stunning top corner drive.

Adam has gone on to establish himself as a first team regular at the club and is many supporters' first name on the team-sheet.

JAMES CHAMBERS AGREES NEW WALSALL DEAL

2013-06-11T11:23:00.003+01:00

Left-back James Chambers has agreed terms on a new one-year deal with Walsall Football Club following a successful debut season at the Banks's Stadium.

James began his career in 1997, joining West Bromwich Albion as an apprentice, he went on to sign pro terms in 1999, after five years and over 70 appearances for The Baggies he was sold to Watford in a deal worth up to £250,000.

During his time with The Hornets James made over 90 first team appearances, including just one during the clubs short stay in the Premier League between 2006 and 2007, he failed to force his way into the first team and spent much of the season on the bench, he was also loaned to Cardiff City, where he made seven first team appearances.

Following Watford’s relegation back to Division One James rejected the offer of a new contract and departed for Leicester City on a free transfer, after one season and 24 games at The Walkers Stadium, James signed for Doncaster Rovers on a three-year contract.

During his four-year spell with ‘Donny’ Chambers made almost 90 league appearances but found himself surplus to requirements during the latter part of the 2011/2012 season and spent a period on loan at Hereford United, before being released at the end of the season.

James joined The Saddlers in August following a brief trial and after a slow start went on to establish himself in the first-team.

WALSALL LEGEND MICK KEARNS RETIRES

2013-06-10T11:07:00.005+01:00

Walsall legend Mick Kearns has announced his retirement from his full-time role as Community Director and Goalkeeping Coach.

62 year-old Kearns first joined The Saddlers in July 1973 from Oxford United, after progressing through their youth system.

Mick made a total of 322 appearances in all competitions for the club, and also had a three-year spell with Wolverhampton Wanderers before returning to Fellows Park in August 1982, he continued playing on a part-time basis for the club until 1989, when he accepted a role in the newly formed Walsall FC Community Programme.

Speaking to saddlers.co.uk, Mick said, “The time is right for me to announce my retirement,” admitted Kearns. “It’s almost 40 years to the day since I first set foot into the club and my decision was made after very careful consideration."

He continued, “During that time Walsall FC has become a very big part of my life; the club will always remain close to my heart, but it is time for me to hand over the reins to a younger goalkeeping coach, whilst the Community Programme will be headed by Adam Davy who has been an extremely loyal and hard-working deputy to me for the past 19 years. He deserves the opportunity to step up and drive the Community Programme forward with fresh ideas.”

The club have announced that Mick will become Matchday Host during 2013/14, and will continue his role of commentator on Saddlers Player.

Walsall are expected to announce the signing of former West Bromwich Albion, Aston Villa and Stoke City goalkeeper Neil Cutler as a goalkeeping coach.

HOLDEN PENS NEW WALSALL DEAL

2013-06-06T11:12:00.000+01:00

Walsall defender Dean Holden has signed a new one-year contract with the club.

33-year-old Holden began his career at Bolton Wanderers, signing pro-terms in 1998, but after making just thirteen appearances in four-years he departed for Oldham Athletic in 2002, following a successful loan period.

Dean, who made over one hundred first-team appearances for Oldham, left the Latics for Peterborough United in 2005, after over fifty first-team appearances he was sold Falkirk in January 2007 for an undisclosed fee. Dean suffered a broken leg just over a year later whilst playing Celtic, this kept him out for ten months.

In June 2009 Dean signed for Shrewsbury Town where he went on to make over fifty first-team appearances and had a spell on loan with Rotherham United.

Dean's contract cancelled by mutual consent during the January 2011 Transfer Deadline Day.

Just a few days after his departure from the Shrews, Dean penned a short-term deal with Chesterfield before signing a one-year contract at the end of the season.

However in November he joined Rochdale on a short-term loan which was made permanent the following January.

Dean was released by Rochdale at the end of the season.

In July 2012, he penned a one-year contract with Walsall Football Club following a brief trial spell, he has made around twenty first-team appearances for The Saddlers and has become something of a fan favourite.

As part of his new deal Dean will join the Walsall coaching staff and is set to take up the role of Pro Development Coach, looking after the players in the 18-21 age group.

KIT LAUNCH ANNOUNCED

2013-06-05T12:02:00.001+01:00

Walsall Football Club have finally announced the launch of the much anticipated 125th Anniversary kit.

Announced on saddlers.co.uk, the new design which "...has been designed with memorable moments from our past in mind but with a modern and exciting twist" will be launched on Wednesday, June 12th.

The club shop based at the Banks's Stadium is due to close on June 6th and will reopen on the 12th after undergoing a refit.

CONTRACT DEADLINE LOOMS

2013-06-03T12:01:00.002+01:00

As the 2012/2013 npower league One season ended Walsall Football Club announced their 'Released and Retained' list, as part of which, several players were released and several others were offered new contracts, players offered fresh deals were also given around 28-days to consider their options before either committing to the club, or departing for pastures new, this period is due to expire this week.

Players offered deals include, Craig Westcarr, Dean Holden, James Chambers, Adam Chambers, Ben Purkiss, Will Grigg and Febian Brandy, several youth prospects were also handed their first professional contracts.

WIN A FREE MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION

2013-05-29T21:47:00.001+01:00

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FINAL PRE-SEASON FIXTURE ANNOUNCED

2013-05-29T15:20:00.000+01:00

Walsall Football Club have today announced their ninth and final pre-season fixture.

The Saddlers will play host to Leeds United on Saturday 20th July at 3:00pm.

Tickets will be priced at £12 for adults and £6 for concessions. Disabled supporters' cost is the relevant price band with a carer free of charge.

Season-ticket holders have until Wednesday, July 17th to claim their seats.

Tickets are now on sale from the Banks's Stadium Ticket Office, or by telephone, on 01922 651 414/416.

Here is the completed pre-season schedule;

Halesowen Town (away) on Wednesday 10th July,
Kidderminster Harriers (away) on Saturday 13th July,
Alfreton Town (away) Tuesday 16th July,
Rushall Olympic (away) on Wednesday 17th July,

Leeds United (home) Saturday 20th July,
Nottingham Forest (home) on Tuesday 23rd July,
Chasetown (away) on Wednesday 24th July.
Burton Albion (away) on Friday 26th July.
Aston Villa (home) on Wednesday 31st July

TERRIERS CONTINUE TO TARGET WALSALL'S PATERSON

2013-05-29T13:02:00.000+01:00

Huddersfield Town are believed to be preparing a bid of £1,000,000 for Walsall starlet Jamie Paterson after bids of £500,000 and £750,000 were reportedly turned down.

Walsall highly value the midfielder any would require a substantial bid to even consider allowing club and player to meet.

21-year-old Coventry born Paterson has had an impressive few seasons after making his senior debut in August 2010. Coincidentally his first goal for the club came in the November 2011 draw with Huddersfield Town.

Huddersfield hope to sign Pato for a bargain price as he enters the last year of his Walsall contract, whilst Burnley and Sheffield United are also believed to be keeping tabs on the situation.

SADDLERS IN-LINE FOR FINANCIAL BOOST

2013-05-27T13:30:00.006+01:00

This afternoon Watford face Crystal Palace in the npower Championship Play-off Final, ordinarily this fixture is of little interest to the average Saddler however should Watford be victorious Walsall stand to receive a much needed financial boost.

As part of the Summer 2010 transfer of Birmingham-born striker Troy Deeney to Watford a clause was included that if The Hornets should make the Premier League within five years The Saddlers would collect a further installment of around £150,000.

Such an injection could be of huge benefit for the club, especially with many contracts up for renewal.

GROUNDSHARE DEAL - "CLOSE TO COMPLETION"

2013-05-27T13:28:00.000+01:00

Suggestions of a possible groundshare between Walsall and Coventry City are continuing to surface despite vague denials from both clubs.

Coventry owners SISU have admitted they are to leave the Arena Coventry Limited owned Ricoh Arena, but have yet to announce a possible venue for their home games.

Walsall Football Club have already rejected suggestions of a deal being done but have yet to deny that negotiations have taken place.

According to ITV Central reports this evening, Walsall and Coventry City remain in contact, as we reported earlier this month and throughout the final weeks of last season, with a three-year deal reportedly close to completion, although City are also believed to be negotiating with other clubs in the region and hope to announce a deal in the near future. According to an ITV Central journalist, senior sources at Walsall FC have held talks with Coventry City about groundsharing, however a deal is yet to be agreed.

Coventry have already announced plans to build a new stadium on the outskirts of the city which will take three years to complete, club owners SISU are confident they can afford the new stadium and that it can ‘pay for itself’. Other facilities designed to bring in revenues would be built on the site. It is claimed the majority of matchday profits, (food, beverage, parking etc), would be spent on the playing squad.

According to BBC Midlands Today, Walsall Football Club have this evening denied they have agreed to a groundshare deal, they again did not deny negotiations have taken place.

TERRIERS TARGET WALSALL STARLET

2013-05-23T15:34:00.000+01:00

Huddersfield Town have installed walsall winger Jamie Paterson as their number one summer transfer target.

We believe Huddersfield have already made an enquiry which was immediately rejected by the Saddlers.

Walsall are said to highly value the midfielder any would require a substantial bid to even consider allowing club and player to meet.

21-year-old Coventry born Paterson has had an impressive few seasons after making his senior debut in August 2010. Coincidentally his first goal for the club came in the November 2011 draw with Huddersfield Town.

Huddersfield hope to sign Pato for a bargain price as he enters the last year of his Walsall contract.

CALDMORE VILLAGE FESTIVAL CUP

2013-05-22T19:26:00.002+01:00

On Saturday 25th May the annual Caldmore Village Festival takes place.

As part of the days activities, the Caldmore Village Festival Cup, an under-16's five-a-side tournament will also be held, the tournament is free to enter and takes place from 1pm at Palfrey Park, Dale Street, Walsall, WS1 4AN

Click HERE for further information and to register for the tournament.

SADDLERS AVERAGE ATTENDANCE SUFFERS SLIGHT DIP

2013-05-21T12:27:00.002+01:00

Walsall Football Club's average attendance for the 2012/13 npower League One season was 4,234, which is down slightly from last season's average, which stood at 4,274.

The highest attendance was 7,504, which was set versus Coventry City on April 1st, whilst the lowest was 2,787 which was set versus Scunthorpe United during the club's winless streak, on a Tuesday night in November.

This season 97,385 supporters attended games at the Banks's Stadium, down from last season's total of 98,312.

SMITH WILL CONSIDER FURTHER LOANS

2013-05-21T12:12:00.001+01:00

Walsall manager Dean Smith has admitted he will consider bringing in a goalkeeper on loan next season if he misses out on his targets during the summer.

Speaking to the Express & Star, Smith said, "Ideally I would like a permanent keeper coming in. But if that was not possible and it was a loan it would have to be a season-long deal with no recall clause, to give us some stability in that position.

He continued, “But, ultimately, we would probably be better off getting our own permanent goalkeeper."

Last term, The Saddlers used five goalkeepers, four of them loanees, the club began the campaign with Hungarian stopper David Grof between the sticks, however after a series of poor performances culminating in the clubs exit from the FA Cup at the First Round stage, Grof was dropped in favour of a series of loan signings, beginning with Nottingham Forest's Karl Darlow, shortly following his departure Wolverhampton Wanderers' Aaron McCarey was recruited, his subsequent recall meant focus switched to Milton Keynes Dons' Ian McLoughlin, before Manchester United prospect Sam Johnstone rounded off the season.

Smith also hinted that some of his summer targets are currently playing for sides in the Barclay's Premier League, he said, "I have spoken to a couple of people already.

“But the fact is the Premier League season only finished yesterday and there are others I want to speak to as well.

“We have been pretty busy over the last few days and, as things stand, I’m pretty happy with where we are at this moment in time"