A view from Walsall Football Supporters Trust – Fan Meeting Summary (27th June 2024)

On the evening of Thursday 27th June, the Walsall Football Supporters Trust attended a fan forum attended by a couple of hundred fans. The event featured the two co-chairmen, Leigh Pomlett and Ben Boycott, along with the new CEO, Ben Sadler, and his predecessor, Stefan Gamble.

Opening Remarks and Club Updates

Ben Boycott kicked off the meeting with a summary of the club’s recent achievements:

              •           The pitch has been renovated, ensuring top-quality playing conditions.

              •           Brand new floodlights have been installed, enhancing the match day experience.

              •           The introduction of the Macron playing kit has been well received.

              •           The club was honoured with the Family Excellence Award.

These achievements are commendable and indicate a commitment to improving both the facilities and the fan experience at the club. However, it is essential to continue to ensure that these improvements translate into on-field success, which remains the ultimate measure of progress.

BB praised the stability and continuity of the club’s staff, highlighting their importance to the team’s success. He also shared that Dan Watson had decided to leave football to join his family business, an understandable decision that nonetheless leaves a gap in the club’s coaching team.

Player Updates

Isaac Hutchinson had informed the club earlier this year of his intention to leave at the end of the 2023-24 season. He agreed to a contract extension only in exchange for a pay rise and a modest release fee, which Bristol Rovers met. It was always clear that he would not be a Walsall player for the next season.

While the club’s transparency regarding Hutchinson’s departure is appreciated, it does highlight the challenge of retaining top talent. The club must be proactive in identifying and nurturing new talent to ensure continuity and competitiveness.

The topic of Danny Johnson was brought up by fans but was promptly dismissed by the co-chairmen, stating that it was entirely Mat Sadler’s concern. This response, while perhaps intended to maintain focus, could have been more diplomatically handled to acknowledge fan concerns and provide assurance.

Financial and Transfer Updates

The club is still waiting for significant sell-on clauses to be activated when Luton sells Adebayo and Brentford sells Henry. These potential windfalls could provide much-needed financial flexibility, and the club should be prepared to leverage these funds effectively when they materialise.

On a positive note, season ticket sales have been quite strong, indicating robust support from the fanbase. This is an encouraging sign, but maintaining this support requires continued engagement and transparency with fans.

Two or three new signings are imminent, which should bolster the squad ahead of the new season. It will be crucial for these new additions to integrate quickly and effectively into the team to make an immediate impact.

Broadcasting and Revenue

A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the new Sky+ deal. Walsall will be featured live on Sky (and/or ITV) for 20 matches, likely split evenly between home and away games. Streaming will continue to be available outside the UK, probably via iFollow. This increased visibility is an excellent opportunity for the club to expand its fanbase and commercial appeal.

The new EFL TV deal promises a much larger payment to clubs. The distribution will be as follows:

              •           80% to Championship clubs

              •           12% to League 1 clubs

              •           8% to League 2 clubs

However, it was noted that the amount the Premier League receives dwarfs the EFL payment, highlighting the financial disparity between the leagues. This ongoing imbalance continues to pose challenges for lower league clubs, necessitating innovative approaches to revenue generation and cost management.

Conclusion

The meeting provided valuable insights into the club’s current status and future plans. While there are several positive developments, it is essential for the club to remain vigilant and responsive to the challenges it faces. It is important for the current regime to ensure success on the field as well as off it.