This evening Walsall Football Club play host to Aston Villa in a pre-season friendly that is being dubbed the '125th Anniversary Match', as Villa were The Saddlers very first opponents when the club was founded in 1888.As part of the celebrations Walsall FC and the Walsall Football Supporters' Trust have arranged for several former players to attend the game, including former manager Ray Graydon, who, along with Mick Kearns, will be unveiling a commemorative plaque outside the Banks's Stadium's main entrance at around 6:30pm. Ray will also be meeting with fans in the Bescot Bar at 7pm, before enjoying the game.
Currently scheduled to attend are, Kenny Mower (WFC Fullback '78-'91), Ron Green (WFC Goal Keeper '77-'84 & '88-91), Brian Palgrave (WFC Forward '84-'88), Doug Devlin (WFC Midfielder '72-'73), Joe Boyden (WFC Fullback '52-'53), Eddie Holding (WFC Forward '50-'54) Ray Graydon - (WFC Manager '98-'02 and Villa Winger '71-'77), Chris Nicholl - (WFC Manager '94-'97 & Villa Centre Back '72-'77), Tommy Coakley - (WFC Manager '86-'88), Jimmy McEwan - (WFC Winger '66-'67 before moving to a coaching role & Villa Winger '59-'66), Ian Roper - (WFC Defender '95-'08), Keith Ball - (WFC Goalkeeper '58-'62, '66-'68 and '72-'73), George Meek - (Left Winger '53-'55 and '61-'65), Andy Reece - (WFC Midfielder '92-'94), Albert McPherson - (WFC Centre Half '54-'64), Micky Evans - (WFC Fullback '65-'73), Stan Jones - (WFC Centre Half '57-'60 and '67-'73), Ken Hodgkisson - (WFC Forward '55-'56), Alec Jackson - (WFC Forward '66-'68), Jimmy McMorran - (WFC Forward '64-'68 and '68-'69 and Villa Forward '60-'62), Alan Deakin - (WFC Winger '69-'72 and Villa Winger '59-'70), Alan Roper - (WFC Fullback '62-'65), George Dean - (WFC Right Half '50-'54), Jack Brigett - (WFC Centre Half '50-'55), Lee Hendrie - (Aston Villa Midfielder '95-'07), Don Stanton - (Walsall FC Programme Editor and photographer 80's), Robin Alsop - (Son of WFC Centre Forward Gilbert Alsop '31-'36 and '39-'47), Mrs Richards - (Widow of the late Tony Richards WFC Centre Forward '54-'63),and Annie Allman - (Widow of the late Geoff Allman, Walsall FC Author and Historian).
There will also be a special souvenir matchday programme available, priced at £3 which will be packed full of features from our colourful past and exciting future, whilst a whole host of former players and managers will be in attendance to make it a real occasion.
Aston Villa have sold out their 3,500 ticket allocation, so along with the Saddlers in attendance there is sure to be a great atmosphere throughout the occasion.