The club has just announced that Jimmy Mullen is to become the new first team manager after his short caretaker stint towards the end of our remarkably succesful last season, where the club finished in 12th position, well above anyone’s expectations only 10 months earlier, and despite losing the last manager late on in the piece.

Owner Jeff Bonser showed his amazing clarity of vision and foreseight by appointing Mullen as Richard Money’s No. 2 last September, and he immediately had a stablising influence on what would otherwise have been a very mediocre season indeed. Despite some serious interest from other bigger, more successful clubs, only two players were sold in January, and the majority of the squad remained intact, drawing closer through the experience, although inevitably some had to go at the end of the season.

Our new manager’s league background is impressive, his two promotions with Burnley far outweighing his vain attempts to save otherwise doomed clubs, Newport and Blackpool, from the drop. Jimmy has shown his versatility and humility throughout his career, as well as demonstrating his essential green credentials by spending some time recycling vehicles.

Overall, the fans can be understandably pleased with yet another astute, forward-thinking management appointment from our illustrious chairman and owner, which frees up yet more funds for our player budget, no doubt to be expertly taken care of by our own full-time scout, Paul ‘Tan The Man’ Taylor. Mullen can get on with doing what he does best, and the efficient, well-oiled machine that is Walsall Football Club Limited will no doubt go from strength to strength as more pitches are sold for the Sunday market, and ticket prices at the Bonser Suite comedy nights are steadily increased to cover pitchside activities.

All the best, Jimmy - we really want you to succeed.