The Club has confirmed the appointment of a new CEO, with Ben Sadler, who currently serves on the board of Morecambe and will replace Stefan Gamble in the role, moving to the Poundland Bescot Stadium in the summer.In a statement, which was published via their official website, offered an insight into what he will bring to the club, before welcoming him to town.
Sadler will join us from Morecambe FC in the summer, where he currently serves as CEO after joining the club initially as General Manager in 2021, driving the club's operations and fostering its success.
During his tenure at Morecambe FC, two seasons of which were in League One, Sadler doubled the club’s annual turnover, oversaw significantly increased attendances at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium and elevated community and fan engagement to new heights.
His proactive leadership and strategic vision led to the club regaining its EFL Family Excellence status, showcasing a notable improvement within the league. The club also managed to defy the odds and remain in League One for two seasons, and is set to consolidate in League Two this season, through being resourceful across its football departments.
Prior to his time at Morecambe FC, Sadler played a pivotal role in the development of Harrogate Town AFC as they moved through the National Leagues into the EFL for the first time, with Sadler progressing from Club Secretary to General Manager over four years at the club. His dedication and leadership were instrumental in developing the club's infrastructure, strategic initiatives and fostering its growth on and off the field.
Speaking via the official website, Co-Chairman Ben Boycott said: "I’m really pleased to get this over the line, and I invite everybody at the club, from supporters, staff, players to directors, to join me in welcoming Ben to Walsall Football Club. This was a very competitive recruitment process with literally hundreds of applicants.
"Ben really impressed us throughout all of our interactions. He is a very promising football executive who has had an outstanding career thus far, having been rapidly elevated to positions of increasing leadership at both Harrogate Town and more recently Morecambe FC.
"He brings a great deal to the table from those experiences, and also just as the hard-working intelligent leader that he is.
"We’re fortunate to have him joining us for the next stage in our history.
"Ben will be well supported in his new role as he works closely with myself day to day, as well as the rest of the Trivela team – now including Stefan Gamble on the finance side of things.
"I would also like to just say a final word of thanks, and to honour Stefan, who has been a faithful and highly effective servant to the club for more than two decades.
"We’re very fortunate to still have him heavily involved in his new capacity at Trivela Group."
In his own words, Sadler shared his enthusiasm for the opportunity to the Club, saying: "It is an honour and delight to be offered the opportunity to join Walsall Football Club, as CEO, during this exciting chapter in its history.
"I am thankful to Ben, Leigh, Stefan and all at Trivela Group for placing their trust in me to lead the club as we continue to develop and work towards a bright and successful future, both on and off the pitch."
Additionally, the club confirms that Stefan Gamble, the current CEO, will be departing to join Trivela Group as Vice President of Finance. This move was previously announced in January 2024, and the club wishes Stefan all the best in his future endeavours.