Taking place in the Locker at the Poundland Bescot Stadium, Walsall co-chairmen Ben Boycott and Leigh Pomlett were joined by CEO Ben Sadler as they sought to answer fans' questions.The evening began with Ben Boycott thanking those in attendance for taking the time to take part in the event, as well as offering a smattering of updates as to the recent goings on in WS1 and beyond.
PORTIONS OF THE EVENING HAVE BEEN REORDERED FOR CLARITY
BB = Ben Boycott; LP = Leigh Pomlett; BS = Ben Sadler
BB opened by discussing the recently formed Fan Focus groups, insisting he's pleased with the early progress the groups have made.
BB also sought to thank everyone who made their way over to Ireland in the summer to see the game between Walsall and Drogheda United. Ben believes the partnership between the two clubs will continue to grow over time and be of benefit to both.
BB then confirmed that Trivela Group have launched Trivela FC in Togo. The club has been purchased in order to continue to grow the sporting infrastructure that Trivela has. Boycott goes on to say there are some fantastic young athletes at the club already, though it's still in the early stages of development.
Looking back to Drogheda United the subject of Douglas James-Taylor was BB confirming the striker will return to the club following the conclusion of the LOI season, but his loan with the Drogs is until July 1st and the club can;t recall him due to it being an international transfer.
Back to the Saddlers BS says that the season is going well and if the club were to get promoted, it would be in a good place but League One is an incredibly tough league to compete in.
Sadler goes on to say that there are some very big clubs in the third tier and that no one at Walsall FC is getting ahead of themselves.
BB goes on to add that there are lots of factors that can play into a team accomplishing something this season. He also reminds us that it's a very long season and several things can happen. BB is still looking for steady incremental improvement.
LP remains on the same message, insisting stability is key to success and the club has that at the moment.
BB goes on to look back at the summer and admits that nineteen new signings which was a big turnover for the club, though believes they have made several smart investments across the club, both on and off the field of play.
Looking back at the summer LP highlights Connor Barrett, Jamie Jellis and Harry Williams as smart investments. Insisting recruitment has improved over the last few Transfer Windows.
BS went on to admit the club doesn't always get everything right but insists they are continuously looking at ways to improve the overall match-day experience at the Poundland Bescot Stadium. Adding that feedback given by supporters is always reviewed in-house.
Back to recruitment, BB says that the club now look further afield, with data analysis offering a helping hand in recruitment for the football club but it isn't the source for the club. He goes on to tout Head Coach Mat Sadler's connections with local teams.
On to the players LP admits there are recall options in the loan players that are currently at the club but highlights that without that option, the loans wouldn't have been agreed in the first place.
LP continues that recalls are usually mutual agreements but insists that there are plans in place to deal with that kind of scenario, more so than in previous years where the clu has been left high and dry.
LP reveals the club had to be extra patient in their pursuit of Stoke City's Nathan Lowe. Admits Mat Sadler was desperate to bring him to the club. Stoke send a scout to watch Lowe at every game.
LP is asked about the involvement that Richard O'Kelly has at the club. He insists O'Kelly is someone who is very useful source of advice for Mat Sadler
as he offers advice a different perspective on games etc.
Looking at the Poundland Bescot Stadium and BS confirms that there aren't currently any plans in place to upgrade the stadium. Going on to say that stadium manager, Brian Taylor, and his team continue to work hard to keep it in the best shape possible.
Safe standing remains on the agenda every time the club meet with members of Walsall Council with one or two options on the table, but it remains very costly if it did become feasible for the club then it is something that we would like to do.
When asked whether he would tweak the budget in order to sign Nathan Lowe on a permanent deal BS stressed that the club wouldn't be able to find the funds, though Lowe is destined to play at a high level.
BS then looked at academy striker Charlie Wragg as an example of the potential the club already has on the books. Before talking about Jamille Matt, who is having a strong campaign for his hometown club.
LP later admitted that the club remains disappointed with the scrapping of replays in the FA Cup. He admits that, following discussions with the Premier League and the FA, compensation has been issued to all EFL clubs and it has left Walsall FC in a stronger position.
Looking at ticket pricing for Saddlers' FA Cup - First Round meeting with Bolton Wanderers BS states that the club recognised that there are four home games on the bounce and it is a lot of money for people to pay. He further highlights his desire to get the home end rocking and draw another big crowd.
Returning to MS, BS says that the gaffer is an emotionally intelligent leader and is someone who he has really enjoyed working with so far. He goes on to say that the atmosphere at the training ground is something special. MS drives the club forward and BS hopes to work with him for a long time to come.
On to replica kits BS admits he sits at his office window every day hoping to see a delivery van filled with fresh supplies. He confirms there is an order in place for more and insists he is well aware that supporters are keen to part with their cash.
He also confirms there are plenty of ideas and plans in place to try and fill the stadium, saying the team on the pitch deserve as much support as possible.
Considering his favourite moment of the season so far, BS admits visiting Acorns Hospice was a highlight. He said that he spent an afternoon there with some of the players and was truly touched. The club will continue to support them and work closely with them to raise as much money for them as they can.
BS was also asked about the level of involvement that the club has with Walsall FC's Women's side where he confirmed that he sits on the committee for them and was delighted to see 741 supporters in WS1 on Friday as they defeated Gornal Athletic.
BS added there is more he and his colleagues want to do to help the team and hopefully, it can become an established force but it will take time to build it up.
Back to the men's side and BS says we have a really good squad here and that nobody is advertised as being for sale but he and the club understand how things work before insisting deals will only happen if it works for the football club. He insists there is a real confidence in the group and the club want to keep the squad together as much as possible.
The evening ended with BS thanking everyone for taking the time to attend, he hopes to see more back in WS1 on Tuesday evening as the Saddlers take on Carlisle United.
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