Nice bloke, was Ron Jukes.

The last time I spoke to him was a few years ago, when I witnessed him in an accident at the bottom of Walhouse Road and stopped to give him my view of the incident for his insurance claim. Thought he was a real gent – and not just because we went to the same school!

No, Ron Jukes was one of the best scouts ever to grace a football club and it is especially sad that he should have passed away at a time when Walsall are producing one of the greatest crop of youngsters they ever have – because he was responsible for bringing to the club some of the greatest players ever to wear the shirt.

His finds included some absolute legends, in the shape of striker Allan Clarke, who went on to play for Leeds United and England, goalkeeper Phil Parkes, another England star, Colin Taylor and Tony Richards, record appearance holder Colin Harrison, Stan Bennett, Frank Gregg and many, many others.

He had two spells with the Saddlers, but also gave sterling service to Wolves (bringing Steve Bull to the club), Blues, Derby (under former Walsall coach Arthur Cox), Shrewsbury and Hereford.

He passed away yesterday in the Manor Hospital, at the age of 79.

Rest in Peace, Ron Jukes, Walsall legend.