Walsall FC

Darlaston Town (1874) F.C.
vs
Walsall F.C.
Tuesday 5th November 2019 Programme £1.50

Chairman:
Darlaston Town (1874) F.C.
Club Directory
Neil Chambers
Tel: 07976 752698
Vice Chairman:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Garry Hale
Tel: 07791139288
Gil Preece
Tel: 07593281513
Bob Jones
Club Directors: Neil Chambers Keith Chambers
Rose Burley Bob Jones
General Commiee: Neil Chambers Garry Hale Bob Jones
Gil Preece Anton Allen Keith Chambers
Rose Burley George Hancocks Gavin Ingles
Craig Wilkinson
First Team Manager:
First Team Coaches:
Sports Therapist:
Andy Parkes
Ant Follows & Nick Lewis
Mike Howe
Trainee Sports Therapist: Aimee Clemson
Club Photographer:
Jayne Cartwright Coven Photography
Ground Address:
The Paycare Ground
Bentley Leisure Pavilion
Bentley Road North
WALSALL
WS2 0EA
Telephone: 01922 616165
Email: general@darlastontown1874fc.com
Website: www.darlastontown1874fc.com
Cover designed by Richard Cooper
Programme printed by Tom Giles & Co, OLDBURY. Prog. No 49 2

News & Views
from the
Boardroom
Over the last few seasons I have included about 70 or more Chairmanʼs
Messages in match day programmes but I can honestly say tonightʼs
message is one I am most proud to write. On behalf of everyone at Darlaston
Town (1874) I extend a very warm Paycare Ground welcome to the players,
supporters and officials of Walsall Football Club.
Tonight is the first time since we reformed in 2013 that we have entertained
a Football League Club. To do so on such an historic and wonderful occasion
gives me and everyone at the club great pride.
I must thank Walsall Secretary Dan Mole, Manager Darrell Clarke and Media
Officer Paul Joannou who have been a fantastic help in making tonight
happen. I am sure they get hundreds of requests for help and support every
season, so their response to be part of our history tonight has been
overwhelming and they have all been most accommodating.
The two clubs have a fantastic history going back to the early 1900s and
there have been dozens of players who have played for both clubs. Most
notable was Harry Wait who played for Darlaston for many years before
moving to Walsall in 1923 and is still Walsallʼs record holder of most
consecutive appearances. Former Darlaston player/ managers Bill Guttridge
and Granville Palin were both Saddlers stalwarts as well as Tony Richards, a
cult hero at the Saddlers between 1954 and 1963 scoring 184 goals. The
most recent player to play for both clubs is Netan Sansara who was a youth
team player for Darlaston before his move to Walsall in 2008 where he made
27 appearances before moving to Dundee FC. Former Walsall
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manager Ray Shaw also played for Darlaston before moving to
Birmingham City and then becoming Walsall manager between 1964 and
1968.
We also have several VIPs with us tonight. I will not name them all
individually but two of our VIPs are worthy of a special mention. Firstly,
David Owen representing Rubery Owen and Rozone. The Rubery Owen
Group has been fantastic sponsors, advertisers and supporters of the
club for more than 100 years and David in particular has been
fantastically supportive of the club over recent years.
Secondly I am delighted to welcome Kevin Rogers CEO of our major
sponsors Paycare Ltd. Since the club reformed Paycare Ltd has been our
major sponsors and in particular Kevin has been fantastic to deal with
and we are proud and delighted to have such a major company showing
their support to our club.
We also extend a warm welcome to Lorraine Owen representing the PAL
Group.
Tonight is a massive milestone in our history. It is amazing to think that
after 139 years of history, just 6 years ago Darlaston was not represented
by an adult football team bearing the townʼs name. Just 5 years ago we
played our first game as a phoenix club and rented a pitch and just over 4
years ago we moved to the Pavilion and have invested nearly £250,000 to
make it the wonderful facility it is today.
Over the last 6 years dozens of volunteers have given thousands of
unpaid hours to make the club and town proud again and have been
instrumental in making the club what it is today. Tonightʼs game is an
unbelievable reward for their hard work and commitment.
To everyone at tonightʼs game, thank you for your support and we hope
you have an enjoyable evening and we hope to see you all again in the
very near future.
4

5

6

View from the Dugout
Firstly, I'd like to welcome you all to this evening’s
game against EFL Division Two side Walsall F.C.
I've been at the club nearly three seasons now
and have seen the club grow from strength to
strength on and off the pitch. The work behind the
scenes from the committee, volunteers and my
backroom staff is truly remarkable, none of which
is seen by the supporters or users of Bentley
Pavilion. The list of tasks that go into the running
of the fist team is huge, add into that the club and
private hires, the youth section and now the ladies
the list goes on and on.
So when I say we are truly blessed with an
outstanding selection of volunteers from all walks of life, who believe and
invest their time and skill sets not only to run but improve and move the club
forward, all for nothing just the love of their club.
Tonight's occasion is a reward for everyone connected to the club from all the
volunteers/committee members and our the fans, I really hope you enjoy and
remember this evening’s game for a long time to come. One word sums up
the achievement to get to this stage tonight after 5 years since reforming
WOW!!
As most know I've been involved with Darlaston Town for many years, playing
at the old City Ground as a youngster then representing the club both at
youth and first team level, so to say I'm proud to lead this club and the boys
out this evening is an understatement, I'm absolutely buzzing with pride!
Finally, I would personally like to thank everyone from Walsall F.C. for
agreeing to send a select XI to help us celebrate and open our new
floodlights. A touch of class from our local professional club who will have
made some sacrifices in the schedules to be here tonight
I hope you all enjoy the evening
The Gaffa
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8

View from Walsall’s
Dugout
Good evening to both home and away fans here at tonight’s game. I’d
like to thank everyone at Darlaston Town for inviting us down to
celebrate the opening of their new brand new floodlights.
It’s always important to give something back to grassroots football so it
was the least we could do as a football club to come down and support
this event.
This evening’s game is the perfect opportunity for us to get some
minutes into some of our younger players and a number of players we
have on trial and it gives players the opportunity to impress both myself
and my coaching staff.
Darlaston are a fantastic club with a fantastic history and I’m sure
they’ve been looking forward to this match as much as we have.
I’d like to thank everyone for coming down to support the big switch on
and I hope everyone enjoys the match.
Darrell Clarke
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Played for both clubs
Over the years dozens of players have played for both clubs. Here we have a look at just a few
of them-
Harry Wait – Goalkeeper
Born in Darlaston in 1892. Joined Darlaston as a teenager in 1908 and a=er a period in the
reserves he was first choice from 1910 to May 1923 making a club record 400 appearances.
Signed for Walsall as a 31 year old making his league debut against Rotherham on 25th August
1923. From the opening game of the 1924/25 season on 30th August 1924 he did not miss a
single game for 5 years making 210 consecu@ve league appearances
Wait became Assistant Trainer at Walsall and was in the dug-out for the famous F.A. Cup
Third Round 2-0 win against Arsenal on 14th January 1933. A=er an absence of five seasons,
amazingly Wait was recalled to ac@on at the age of 44 in a Third Division game at Stockport
County on 14th April 1936. He played the last five league games of the season his final game
for the club a 2-1 home win against Halifax Town on 2nd May 1936.
Keith Ball – Goalkeeper
Had spells at Walsall and Worcester City before moving to Port Vale in
November 1968. In three spells at Walsall he made 47 appearances and joined
Darlaston in 1972 and was a member of Darlaston’s 1973 Birmingham Senior
Cup winning team under player/manager Granville Palin.
Mark Bates – Full-Back/Midfield
Signed for Walsall in 1982, made 6 league appearances moving to Shrewsbury
Town in 1984. He joined Darlaston in 1988/89 and was a member of the
1989/90 league and cup winning side and is a 1990/91 and 1991/92 Birmingham County F.A.
Vase winner.
James ‘Jimmy’ Sondie – Forward
Born – 24th July 1926. Signed by Walsall from ScoFsh non-League side Kilsyth Rangers in
1947. Made his Walsall debut on 3rd January 1948 in a home 1-1 draw against Newport
County. Made a further 48 League appearances scoring 2 goals. Moved to Worcester City in
1950 before joining Darlaston from Stourbridge in 1952/53.
Jimmy McMorran
Joined Villa as a 16 year old in 1959. Made 11 appearances in two seasons before joining
Third Lanark in 1962, making 41 appearances and scoring 8 goals. He joined Walsall in 1964
for £6,000 before transferring to Swansea for a short spell in 1968/69 making 14 appearances.
He returned to Walsall in the same season before finishing his league career at NoHs County
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in 1969/70. Moved into non-league with Worcester City, Redditch United, Hednesford and
Darlaston. Became Darlaston’s manager in 1989/90 and returned to the club for a second
spell in 1994 and again in 1998.
Alec Jackson
Born 29th May 1937 in Tipton. Joined West Bromwich Albion as an
amateur at the age of 17.made his debut in November 1954 in a First
Division Game at Charlton Athle@c scoring 3 minutes into the game.
Scored 52 goals in 208 appearances for The Baggies before moving onto
Birmingham City in 1964. Made 78 appearances neFng 11 @mes, before
finishing his Football League career at Walsall scoring 7 @mes in 38
appearances. Played non league at Nuneaton and Kidderminster before
signing for Darlaston in the reign of Granville Palin, a member of the 1973
Birmingham Senior Cup winning team
Bill ‘Chopper’ Guridge – Full-Back
A no nonsense full-back signed for Wolves in 1951 making 6 league appearances before
joining Walsall in 1954. At Walsall he made a major impact
and was part of the successful Division 4 Championship
winning team in 1959/60 and 1960/61 Promo@on winning side
into Division 2 making 198 appearances. Played for
Stourbridge before being signed by Ken BeHridge for Darlaston
in 1966 becoming player/manager in
1968/69.
Granville Palin
An FA Youth Cup winner with Wolves in 1958 before moving to Walsall
where he helped the Saddlers win promo@on from the Third Division in
1960/61. He scored ten goals in 140 Walsall appearances. Became
Darlaston player/manager in 1972 and guided the club to victory in the
1973 Birmingham Senior Cup.
Tony Richards – Forward
Born 6th March 1934. Signed for Walsall in 1954 making his debut against Bristol City in
September 1954. Scored 185 League goals in 338
League appearances and scored just under 200 goals
in 358 games in all compe@@ons for Walsall. His 9
year stay at Walsall ended in March 1963 when he
signed for Port Vale making another 69 appearances
scoring 31 goals in all compe@@ons. Re@red from
League football in June 1964, played for Nuneaton
Borough and Dudley Town before joining Darlaston in
1972.
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A look back in History
Darlaston and Walsall have a long established history. It is believed that the
first league ac@on between the two clubs was back in 1911/12 when they
both played in the Birmingham and District League. Walsall won both games
in that season 2-1 at the old Hilary Street Ground and 2-0 at The City
Ground.
In a rather light hearted manner local newspaper Walsall Observer reported
on both games.
19 November 1911
Walsall 2 Darlaston Town 1
“Darlaston defeated -Walsall’s pronounced superiority”
For some #me the visit of Darlaston to Hilary Street has been looked forward
to with unusual interest. The rivalry which exists between the two clubs is
one of the keenest and the opportunity when they will be able to measure
their strength against each other, being eagerly an#cipated by the players.
Whilst the respec#ve followers of the teams have been claiming the
superiority of their par#cular favourites, in no uncertain voice, what might
be regarded as a local derby has now past and gone and the Darlaston
players and supporters will have to admit that they are no match for Walsall
at all events, un#l such #me that they can prove otherwise.”
The teams on the day were:
Walsall - Moult, Cook, Chance, Richards, Birds, Humphries, Davis, Rogers,
Freeman, Robinson and Price.
Darlaston – Harry Waite, Edgar Shinton, Jack Dennis, Enoch Wilkes, Reed,
Turner, Horton, Crump, George Bould, Bernard Lowe and George Wilkes.
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16th March 1912
Darlaston 0 Walsall 2
“Darlaston humiliated -The Saddlers fourth away victory, their grand
defence”.
The dominant factor in Walsall’s success over Darlaston, their neighbouring
rivals on Saturday, by a margin of two goals to nil, was their superb defence
and the home club were lucky not to have to submit to a much more
pronounced reverse, for if the Walsall forwards had shown average form,
they would in all probability have been completely routed. Walsall played
up the slope in the first half, and I was very sanguine that downhill they
would give Darlaston something to go on with. I was informed however by
a Darlaston supporter that the home Club were always seen to great of the
advantage playing up the slope and my confidence in Walsall’s success was
somewhat sha3ered “.
Teams:
Walsall – Moult, Adams, Chance, Richards, Bird, Humphries, Robinson, Izon,
Freeman, Hurst and Price
Darlaston – Harry Waite, Edgar Shinton, Jack Dennis, Dickins, Read, Enoch
Wilkes, Beardsmore, Bryan, George Bould, Bernard Lowe and George
Wilkes.
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Player & Management
Liam Whittaker
Sponsored by
Dominic Harvey
& family
Andy Heal
Sponsored by
Stan Jackson
Sam Causton
Sponsored by
Simon Hingley
Scott Stevenson Aiden Blackham Reis Nadat
Sponsored by
Bob & Sue
Jones
Sponsored by
TG Property
Renovations
Sponsored by
George Hancocks
Adam Cole
Sponsored by
Stuart Hale &
Katie Price
Daniel Bolzon
Sponsored by
Dave Haskett &
Kelly Emery
Andy Parkes
Sponsored by
Allan Dulleston
14

Sponsorships 2019-20
Ricardo Ricketts Liam Smith Connor Fellows Ryan Jones
Sponsored by
John Acton and
Roger Roberts
Sponsored by
Andy Butler
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Rose Burley
Sponsored by
Pete and Alma
Davies
Luke Charlton Jamie Holder Lucas Hough
Liam Cox
Sponsored by
Anton Allen
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Christine Ceney
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Neil Chambers
Tyrone Clarke
Leon Taylor
Zico Agyemang
Romano Graham
Sponsored by
Leah Tranter
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Coven
Photography
Sponsored by
H Steventon
Sponsored by
Graham & Brian
Lloyd
Ant Follows Nick Lewis Mike Howe
Sponsored by
Scott Follows
& Jamie Green
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SMT Painters &
Decorators
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Matthew &
Redsell
Aimee Clemson
Sponsored by
Mark James
15

16

17

Walsall’s Squad for Today
1. LIAM ROBERTS – GOALKEEPER
Towering shot-stopper who started 42 of our 46 league fixtures in
2018/19. Born in Walsall, the 24-year-old progressed through the
club's youth ranks and made his senior debut in a 3-0 home defeat by
Millwall in February 2016. He was loaned out for experience, enjoying
spells in non-league with Rushall Olympic, Rainworth MW, Southport,
Gresley and Chester, where he kept seven clean sheets in 15 league outings. Roberts
started 2017/18 as understudy to Mark Gillespie but became first choice after the turn
of the year, making 28 appearances during an impressive breakthrough season. He
was rewarded with the number one jersey and played 47 matches in total last term.
2. CAMERON NORMAN – DEFENDER
Right-back signed from Oxford in January 2019 on a two-and-a-halfyear
deal for an undisclosed fee. The 23-year-old came through the
youth ranks of his hometown club Norwich City and helped the
Canaries win the FA Youth Cup in 2013. He played 27 matches on loan
at Woking before taking in permanent spells at fellow non-league sides
Norwich United, Concord Rangers, Needham Market and King’s Lynn Town. Signing
for Oxford in summer 2018, the defender made his U’s debut in an EFL Cup win over
Coventry and featured 12 times for United in total. He made his Saddlers debut in a 3-
0 win at Gillingham and played a further six games in 2018/19.
3. CAMERON PRING – DEFENDER
Left-back who joined Walsall on a season-long loan from
Championship side Bristol City in July 2019. The 21-year-old made 15
appearances in League Two last season during loan spells with
Newport County and Cheltenham Town. The full-back, who was a
youth team player at Cheltenham before moving to Ashton Gate, has
also enjoyed stints with Merthyr Town, Aldershot Town and Hereford.
4. MAT SADLER – DEFENDER
Experienced defender who returned to Walsall for a second spell in July
2019. The 34-year-old was a league ever-present during his first stint
with the Saddlers in 2011/12, scoring one goal in 52 appearances in all
competitions. Capped by England at youth level, Sadler started out with
hometown club Birmingham City and featured 36 times during their
2006/07 Championship promotion-winning campaign. He made 61 Blues appearances
and had a brief spell at Northampton before signing for Watford, where he played 35
games. After loan spells at Stockport and Shrewsbury, Sadler joined the Saddlers in
2011 and stayed for one season before moving to Crawley. He was an ever-present in
each of his two seasons with the Reds and returned to Broadfield Stadium on loan
from Rotherham in 2014/15. Moving to Shrewsbury via a temporary stint
at Oldham, Sadler helped Town reach the finals of the League One play-
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offs and EFL Trophy in 2017/18. He appeared 35 times last season and scored six
goals in 161 matches for the Shrews in total.
5. JAMES CLARKE – DEFENDER
Recruited in May 2019, the defender helped Bristol Rovers win
promotion from League Two under Darrell Clarke in 2015/16 and also
worked with his namesake at Salisbury City. Predominantly a centrehalf,
Aylesbury-born James Clarke started out with Watford before
turning professional at Oxford United, making 36 appearances for the
U’s. He spent three years with neighbours Oxford City, winning promotion from the
Southern League in 2011, and first linked up with Darrell Clarke at Salisbury in 2012.
Part of the Whites’ Conference South promotion-winning team, the versatile defender
played 37 games for Woking before reuniting with his former boss at Bristol Rovers in
2015. He featured 40 times as the Gas gained promotion in his first EFL season and
made 43 outings in 2018/19, helping Rovers keep the fifth best defensive record in
League One.
6. DAN SCARR – DEFENDER
Tall centre-back who played the final 17 games of last season after
arriving from Birmingham in January. The defender began his career
with non-league Worcester and also played for Causeway, Redditch
and Stourbridge, starring in the Glassboys’ historic run to the FA Cup
third round. After 60 appearances in two years for Stourbridge, Scarr
joined Birmingham in January 2017 and made his only Blues appearance in a 2-0
Carabao Cup defeat at Reading. He spent the 2017/18 season on loan at Wycombe,
scoring one goal in 26 matches as the Chairboys finished third and gained promotion
to League One. He moved to Walsall midway through the 2018/19 campaign and
broke his Saddlers duck in a 2-0 victory over Fleetwood.
7. STUART SINCLAIR – MIDFIELDER
Experienced central midfielder signed in May 2019 from Bristol Rovers,
where he won back-to-back promotions to League One under Saddlers
boss Darrell Clarke. Born in Houghton Conquest, Sinclair came
through Luton’s youth ranks and played for Cambridge City, Bedford,
Dunstable and Arlesey before signing for Clarke’s Salisbury in 2012.
The wholehearted, box-to-box midfielder featured in the Whites’ 2012/13 Conference
South promotion success and linked up with his former boss again at Bristol Rovers in
June 2014. Sinclair won the Conference Premier play-offs in his first season and
played an influential role as the Pirates secured a second successive promotion in
2015/16. He continued to feature regularly over the next three years as Rovers
consolidated their third-tier status, making 162 appearances for the Pirates in total.
8. LIAM KINSELLA – MIDFIELDER
Tenacious midfielder who was one of the Saddlers’ standout
performers last term, winning the 2018/19 Young Player of the Season
award. Colchester-born Kinsella first joined the Saddlers aged eight
and was named Apprentice of the Season in 2013/14. He made his
first-team debut in a goalless draw with Bradford in August
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2014 and scored his first career goal in a 2-0 victory over Burton the following October.
Capped by Republic of Ireland at Under-19 and Under-21 level, he helped our
Development Squad win the Central League North West Division title and Walsall
Senior Cup in 2016/17. He made 24 appearances the following season and featured
39 times in 2018/19, scooping the Goal of the Season prize for his FA Cup stunner at
Sunderland.
10. JOSH GORDON – STRIKER
Hardworking striker who netted nine goals in 45 games during his first
season with Walsall in 2018/19. The 24-year-old spent eight years with
hometown Stoke before taking in spells with non-league clubs
Newcastle Town, Nantwich Town and Stafford Rangers, as well as
Welsh side Rhyl. He landed a dream move to Leicester in April 2017
and scored six goals in 27 Premier League 2 matches for their Under-23s in 2017/18.
Gordon featured against Valencia and Lille in pre-season for the Foxes but was
allowed to join the Saddlers on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee in August
2018. He broke his duck in an EFL Cup tie with Macclesfield and ended the campaign
strongly with five goals in 12 outings.
11. ELIJAH ADEBAYO – STRIKER
Imposing 6’4” frontman who moved to the Banks’s Stadium in June
2019 following his release by Fulham. The powerful striker joined the
Whites at Under-9 level and gained his first taste of men’s football on
loan at Slough in 2016, scoring a hat-trick on his debut. A temporary
stint at Bognor Regis yielded five goals in seven outings and was
followed by a six-month loan at Cheltenham, where he scored twice in seven matches.
He spent the first half of the 2018/19 season with Swindon, notching five goals in 30
games, before finishing the campaign at Stevenage.
13. JACK ROSE – GOALKEEPER
The 24-year-old joined Walsall in July on a season-long loan from
Premier League side Southampton. The Solihull-born stopper came
through West Brom’s academy and signed his first professional
contract in June 2013. He was loaned to Accrington in November 2014
and kept a clean sheet on his professional debut in an FA Cup tie at
Notts County – his first of eight starts for Stanley. The 6’3” custodian had a similar spell
at Crawley towards the end of the 2015/16 campaign, playing five times for the Reds.
He also made one EFL Trophy appearance for West Brom’s Under-21s, against
Millwall, before signing for Southampton in August 2017.
14. KORY ROBERTS – DEFENDER
Young centre-back who missed the entire 2018/19 season after
rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in a pre-season friendly against
Stoke. The promising defender was awarded his first professional
contract in May 2016 and helped keep a clean sheet on his senior
debut against Oxford that New Year’s Eve. He made a further three
first-team appearances in 2016/17 and captained the Development Squad to the
Central League North West Division title and Walsall Senior Cup. Roberts
continued to make great strides in 2017/18, being named Young Player of
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the Season after featuring 24 times in all competitions.
15. RORY HOLDEN – MIDFIELDER
Diminutive winger on a season-long loan from Bristol City. The
Northern Irishman started his career with hometown club Derry City
before moving to Ashton Gate in August 2017. The 21-year-old
enjoyed a loan spell with Barrow and played six League One matches
on loan at Rochdale last season.
16. DANNY GUTHRIE – MIDFIELDER
Experienced midfielder who has made over 100 Premier League
appearances. Shrewsbury-born Guthrie spent his youth career with
Manchester United and Liverpool, where he made his professional
debut in an EFL Cup tie against future employers Reading in 2006. The
former England Under-16 international featured seven times for the
Reds and gained experience on loan at Southampton and Bolton, for whom he played
35 matches. Leaving for Newcastle in 2008, the 32-year-old was a vital part of the
Magpies team that amassed 102 points on their way to the 2009/10 Championship
title. He made 104 appearances in four years at St James’ Park and played 69 games
for Reading between 2012 and 2015, also enjoying a loan spell with Fulham. That was
followed by two years at Blackburn and a spell in Indonesia with Mitra Kukar before
joining Walsall in July 2019.
17. JAMES HARDY – MIDFIELDER
The 23-year-old midfielder became manager Darrell Clarke’s third
summer acquisition when he arrived from AFC Fylde in June 2019. On
Manchester City’s books as a youngster, the former England C
international joined the Coasters in October 2015 and was named their
2016/17 Young Player of the Year. Hardy notched five goals in 46
appearances for Fylde and helped them reach the 2018/19 National League play-off
final, while he also played six games on loan at Halifax.
18. JACK KIERSEY – MIDFIELDER
The 20-year-old joined the Saddlers on a short-term deal in July 2019
following his release by Everton. Manchester-born Kiersey joined the
Toffees’ academy aged 10 and was named the Under-18s’ Player of
the Season for 2016/17. Awarded his first professional contract in May
2017, he helped Everton’s Under-23s win a league and cup double in
2018/19 and also featured twice in the EFL Trophy.
19. MITCH CANDLIN – STRIKER
Teenage forward who was just 16 when he made his Walsall debut, in
a 1-0 defeat at Bradford in April 2017. Now 19, he played five first-team
games in 2016/17 and also helped the Development Squad win the
Walsall Senior Cup, scoring a brace in the 4-3 semi-final victory over
Wolverhampton Casuals. Rewarded with a professional contract in
August 2017, the Stafford-born striker featured four times the following season and
spent the first half of 2018/19 on loan at Blackburn.
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20. ALFIE BATES – MIDFIELDER
Promising attacking midfielder who was crowned Apprentice of the
Season for 2018/19. The 18-year-old spent his youth career with
hometown Coventry and Birmingham before signing for Walsall in
March 2017. Most comfortable in the number 10 position, he scored on
his youth team debut against Morecambe that season and played 28
matches for the Under-18s in 2017/18. Bates made his first-team debut in an EFL
Trophy victory over Middlesbrough Under-21s in October 2018 and also started the
Checkatrade Trophy tie against Port Vale a month later.
21. CALLUM COCKERILL-MOLLETT– DEFENDER
Walsall's 2016/17 Apprentice of the Season was handed a 12-month
contract extension in May 2019. The Leicester-born left-back signed
his first professional contract in August 2016 and made his senior
debut in a 5-2 Checkatrade Trophy victory over Grimsby later that
month. As well as captaining the Youth Team, the teenager helped the
Development Squad win the Central League North West Division title and Walsall
Senior Cup in 2016/17. He was also shortlisted for League One LFE Apprentice of the
Year and received his first international call-up by Republic of Ireland Under-18s in
April 2017. Injury restricted him to just one senior outing in 2017/18, while he enjoyed
loan spells with Telford and Chasetown during the 2018/19 season.
22. LUKE LITTLE – DEFENDER
Attacking right-back who was handed a short-term professional deal in
May 2019. The teenager arrived from Wolves in November 2014 and
won a number of Under-16 Player of the Month awards in 2016/17. He
scored on his youth team debut against Wigan that season and played
22 matches for the Under-18s in 2017/18 before making 26
appearances last campaign.
23. TOM LEAK – DEFENDER
The talented central defender was offered a short-term professional
deal in May 2019. The 18-year-old joined the club from local football in
April 2015 and was recognised for an outstanding 2016/17 season
with the Under-16s' Player of the Year award. He made 13
appearances for the Under-18s in 2017/18, followed by 28 last term.
24. SHAY FACEY – DEFENDER
Former Northampton right-back who joined the Saddlers in July 2019.
Born in Sale, the 24-year-old progressed through Manchester City’s
youth ranks and gained international recognition with England at
various youth levels. He joined the Citizens’ sister club New York City
on loan in March 2015 and played 23 Major League Soccer matches
during his time in America. Facey enjoyed further loan spells at Rotherham, where he
made five Championship appearances, and Dutch Eredivisie side Heerenveen before
leaving for Northampton in January 2018. He scored his first career goal in a 1-1 draw
with Shrewsbury and appeared 42 times for the Cobblers in total.
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25. WES MCDONALD – MIDFIELDER
Winger signed on a short-term deal in July 2019. The 22-year-old
spent last season with Yeovil Town, making 12 appearances for the
Glovers in all competitions. He has also played first-team football for
Solihull Moors and Nuneaton, on loan from Birmingham City, where he
came through the academy.
30. RORY GAFFNEY – FORWARD
The 28 year old started his career with Mervue United in the Irish First Division before
a move to Limerick in 2011 his goals helped The Super Blues to promotion to the Irish
Premier Division. Cambridge United came in for the 6’ striker in November 2014, but
injury meant it was nearly a year until Gaffney made his debut. In January Bristol
Rovers took Gaffney on permanently after a successful loan spell, and he helped
Rovers to promotion to League One at the end of the season. In the process he
developed a reputation for clinical finishing and a good goals per minutes ratio before
signing a three-year deal at Salford. In September this year he joined Walsall on a
season long loan
33. ZAK JULES – DEFENDER
Young defender who became the Saddlers’ 14th summer signing when
he joined from Macclesfield for an undisclosed fee. The 22-year-old,
who has been capped by Scotland from Under-17 to Under-21 level,
played an important role in helping the Silkmen retain their EFL status.
Born in Islington, Jules came through Reading’s academy and gained
experience on loan at Hemel Hempstead, Braintree and Motherwell, for whom he
made 10 Scottish Premiership appearances. Signing for Shrewsbury in June 2018, he
enjoyed further loan spells at Chesterfield, Port Vale and Barnet before moving to
Macclesfield in January. Jules featured 14 times for Town last season, only
experiencing defeat on three occasions as Sol Campbell’s men avoided relegation
from League Two.
DARRELL CLARKE – MANAGER
The 41-year-old was appointed Walsall manager on a three-year deal
in May 2019. He has an impressive track record, having managed over
400 games and achieved four promotions, two apiece with former
clubs Salisbury City and Bristol Rovers. He became player-manager at
Salisbury in 2010. He enjoyed immediate success, leading the Whites
to promotion from the Southern League Premier Division. His second season
produced a respectable tenth-place finish and a club-record run to the FA Cup third
round, where they faced Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. Clarke’s stock rose even
further in 2012/13 after guiding City to runners-up spot and promotion from Conference
South after a 3-2 extra-time play-off final victory over Dover Athletic. Winning 84 of his
157 matches in charge of Salisbury, Clarke joined Bristol Rovers as assistant-manager
to John Ward in June 2013 and took the top job the following March. Unable to rescue
Rovers from relegation, he achieved promotion back to the EFL at the first attempt with
a penalty shootout win over Grimsby Town in the Conference Premier play-off final.
The Pirates then went on to secure a second successive promotion in 2015/16,
pipping Accrington Stanley to third place in League Two. A period of
consolidation followed, with Rovers placing 10th and 13th in League One
over the next two seasons, before Clarke left his post in December 2018. 23

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Family run business Est 2008 with over 20 years in the trade.
Offering:-
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24

GMB Birmingham & West Midlands Region
Regional Secretary Joe Morgan
Will Thorne House, 2 Birmingham Road, HALESOWEN, B63 3HP
Tel 0121 550 4888 Fax 0121 550 4272
Email: joe.morgan@gmb.org.uk
Website www.gmb-westmids.org.uk
GMB In Your Pocket
New GMB App For Your iPhone Or Android!
Download it to your smartphone to get instant access to GMB on the move.
The apps are available now from iTunes and Google Play for Android.
Features include:
• Update your GMB profile • Get the latest news from GMB
• Switch to Direct Debit • Find your nearest GMB office
• Find your nearest GMB post holder • Become a workplace organiser
25

Premier Division
League Table
Pos P W D L GD Pts
1 Shifnal Town 11 11 0 0 38 33
2 Bewdley Town 10 8 0 2 23 24
3 Worcester Raiders 11 6 1 4 6 19
4 Dudley Town 10 6 0 4 4 18
5 Darlaston Town (1874) 12 5 3 4 2 18
6 Wolves Casuals 7 5 2 0 9 17
7 LiHleton 12 5 2 5 8 17
8 Black Country Rangers 10 5 2 3 7 17
9 AFC Bridgnorth 11 5 1 5 -6 16
10 Pershore Town 12 4 3 5 2 15
11 Bilston Town 12 4 1 7 -11 13
12 Wolves Spor@ng Comm 9 3 3 3 2 12
13 Shawbury United 8 3 2 3 -2 11
14 Smethwick Rangers 11 3 2 6 -12 11
15 Wednesfield 10 3 1 6 -9 10
16 Dudley Sports 10 2 2 6 -14 8
17 Wem Town 12 2 1 9 -32 7
18 Cradley Town 10 1 0 9 -15 3
26

Future
Fixtures
Tuesday 12th November kick off 7.45 pm
Darlaston Town (1874) vs Wolverhampton Casuals
Saturday 16th November kick off 3 pm
Shawbury United vs Darlaston Town (1874)
Tuesday 19th November kick off 7.45 pm
Darlaston Town (1874) vs Worcester Raiders
Saturday 23rd November kick off 3 pm
Darlaston Town (1874) vs Littleton
Tuesday 26th November kick off 7.45 pm
Darlaston Town (1874) vs FC Stratford
Saturday 30th November kick off 3 pm
Shifnal Town vs Darlaston Town (1874)
Saturday 4th December kick off 3 pm
Darlaston Town (1874) vs Wolves Sporting Comm
27

DARLASTON TOWN (1874)
SQUAD LIST
Aiden Blackham
Daniel Bolzon
Sammy Causton
Luke Charlton
Adam Cole
Ezekiel Agyemang
Tyrone Clarke-O'Connell
Liam Cox
Connor Fellows
Romano Graham
Andy Heal
Jamie Holder
Connor Hopkins
Lucas Hough
Ryan Jones
Reis Nadat
Ricardo Rickes
Liam Smith
Leon Taylor
Liam Whiaker
Luke Wilson
WALSALL
SQUAD LIST
1. Liam Roberts
2. Cameron Norman
3. Cameron Pring
4. Mat Sadler
5. James Clarke
6. Dan Scarr
7. Stuart Sinclair
8. Liam Kinsella
10. Josh Gordon
11. Elijah Adebayo
13. Jack Rose
14. Kory Roberts
15. Rory Holden
16. Danny Guthrie
17. James Hardy
18. Jack Kiersey
19. Mitch Candlin
20. Alfie Bates
21. Callum Cockerill-Molle
22. Luke Lile
23. Tom Leak
24. Shay Facey
25. Wes McDonald
30. Rory Gaffney
33. Zak Jules
Manager:
Management Team
Andy Parkes
Coaches:
Ant Follows
Nick Lewis
Sports Therapist: Mike Howe
Trainee Sports Therapist
Aimee Clemson
Referee:
Match Officials
Jamie Howe
Assistants: Tony Lloyd
John Higgs