The Walsall Football Club AGM is due again and, as usual, the Walsall Supporters’ Society (formerly the Trust) will have some questions they will be asking of the Board, in their position as shareholders. This year, worringly, the club has secured external financing for the first time, rather than depending on the Directors. That, and the lack of communication with the fans, will be the main thrust of the questions to be asked:

1. We note that for the fifth consecutive year the board have been required to extend the amount of refinancing of Walsall FC Ltd.. For what purpose was the loan of £495,000, secured from by way of a legal charge over the football stadium, drawn down? How do the Board plan to get out of this cycle of extending refinancing?

2. We note that for the first time refinancing has been secured from a source outside of the Board. Clearly, the Board of Directors have an emotional as well as a financial stake in Walsall FC, and we are grateful for their continued commitment to provide the necessary financial support for the next 12 months. Will the Board clarify from whom this external refinancing has been secured and why an external lender has been needed?

3. What are the implications for the Club of implementing a refinancing policy involving an external lender who may have less of an emotional tie to Walsall FC? How does this impact on Walsall FC’s future?

4. Will the board clarify why no Supporters’ Focus Group meeting has been held in the last 18 months? We believe that these are a useful way for the Board to discuss its plans with supporters, and we were grateful for Mr Whalley’s involvement at these sessions. It is also a commitment made to the supporters through the Customer Charter. Do the Board plan to re?instigate Supporters’ Focus Groups?

A full report of the answers, such as they may be, will appear here.