One season that rarely gets mentioned in these type of discussions is 85/86, mad as a box of frogs. We scored 66 goals at home in all competitions. Yes it was frustrating, almost comedically so at times, especially in the final months, but that was part of the fun. In many ways that season defined watching Walsall, highs and lows coming at you on an almost unscriptable basis played out against the soap opera of Wheldon’s scheming, then bang it was over. No more Buckley, Wheldon, even the red shirts went.
Pragmatism ensued, suddenly and briefly we had a few quid and with that a whiff of “something very Walsall” that had been around for about a decade went, and didn’t come back until the first Graydon season.
This season is well up there. Obviously the title winning season beats it though so far and you can’t really look past Graydon’s double promotions.
One also worth a mention was or first season in the Championship. Relegated, but under no expectations whatsoever, and beating Wolves, West Brom (x2) and Blues in a single season that sparked a song still sung now was bizarrely probably my favourite.
98-99 obviously.
Also I liked 82-83 because of the contrast, bottom at Xmas and then played some fantastic football to finish comfortably in 10th place. Preece, Shakey and Sinnott were youngsters who performed brilliantly, and the football we played in 83-84 was no surprise to those who had been watching a few months earlier.
One of our worst ever seasons, in my opinion anyway. If you wanted to put 99-00 forward as a “good” relegation season I would agree, but 03-04 was horrible.
After starting to watch Walsall in the worst period in the club’s history, the 1950s, the euphoria of that magical night in 1961 at Gay Meadow still lives long in my memory. I stood behind the goal when Colin Askey, who was only wearing one contact lens, scored with that header. This happened a couple of weeks after my football club at the time, the Mount, won the Junior Youth League.
However, I still look forward to something in the future beating this moment in my affections, so I don’t recommend that the more youthful brigade pay much attention to those old f…s, who start most sentences with “In my day.”
That’s a hard question - but if pushed I’d have to say 94/95. Neck and neck with Chesterfield and it’s anti-football ‘dark side of the force’ approach. Football league officials making us play Saturday-Tuesday-Thursday for the final three games, and that glorious, glorious night away at Bury (shivers up my spine just thinking about it).
Best single match - Swindon away for the title - ranks as the best day of my life (sorry it beats out wedding Mrs H). Me, my Dad and my Son all jumping around arm in arm like loons when Deano scored.
Yes remember 82-83 well , we literally climbed the table like a bullet train . Think we won away at Wigan around Xmas when bottom and then whoosh , we were off .
If I remember right we basically just never conceded at home . Sinnot and Hart were totally bullet proof at the back .
Fantastic second half of the season , title winnng form and definitely gave Preece , Shakey etc the platform for the famous following season .
98/99 will probably always be my favourite. There was just something special about that season. Went to every game with my Dad, it was bloody brilliant.
This season will be up there for me if we can do it though. Had some fantastic days/nights with my boys so far. It’s great to see them loving it. That’s what it is all about for me now. Let the young ones see the good times, cos they have certainly seen enough of the bad.
You’d have to be psychotic to describe 03/04 as “fun”
98/99 - just grand.
Alan Buckley (manager) era, we used to normally just score one more than the opposition, some cracking 3-2 4-3 results etc.
All the promotion seasons are great candidates, but I have a soft spot for the Big Fat Jan season. Even though we finished 19th in the league (4 points above the relegation zone I think), the likes of Peron, Boli, Watson, Hodge and co gave us some very entertaining football, and those cup runs will live long in the memory. Defeats at Old Trafford and Upton Park ending our FA and League Cup runs, but some special moments - not least dumping Forest out the cup.
06/07.
Notts County and Swindon, ill never forget. Others stick in my mind from that season aswell - Hartlepool away (i believe Valentines day), heavy snow for most the country and waiting to see if it got called off - it didnt and it was the coldest I’ve ever been except for Oldham away
That squad were no world beaters, but played for each other and the badge. A sprinkling of Dickie Dosh magic and the rest is history.
Oh and i turned 18 that season
1960/1961 for me…my second full season watching the Saddlers. The dynamic Richards/Taylor combination and that wonderful night at Shrewsbury are still very much in my mind. The next season wasn’t too bad either beating the North East greats at home and the forward play of Tommy Wilson to complement the others already mentioned.
Many other happy times as others have said-the Buckley years ( playing and managing),the Graydon/ Lee era with great players like Merson and Samways . I also have great affection for the Nicholl promotion season with his love of 1-0s with Lightbourne and Wilson starring. Overall I have had some great times and moments watching The Saddlers. I like to think that this season may be one to add to my list. I love this team…full of heart and passion…and I hope they get what they deserve -promotion - and if they do I predict further successes in the years ahead. I hope so for all those fans who haven’t seen much to cheer about for almost 2 decades.
Personally think you’d have to be psychotic to describe Barrett as non-league
There were a few high spots, definitely, but I saw every game but one and I thought it was mostly grim.
Twenty-six years ago on December 12th we won at Oldham, which I’ve always thought was such a pivotal win, especially as City drew at home with someone they would have expected to beat.
Happy times.
Yeah, fair enough I respect your opinion. I’d say it was a very dramatic season, beyond just the football matches itself. Probably should be classed under most memorable season for me.
He was in that game thankfully improved.
I can see why you would call it memorable, certainly, no disagreement with that.