Following the conclusion of the 2024/25 campaign, co-chairman Benjamin Boycott and Leigh Pomlett, and CEO Ben Sadler have issued a statement to Saddlers fans.Seeking to acknowledge the failings that saw the season collapse from a twelve-point lead into a place in the Play-Offs, the trio talk extensively about various aspects of the campaign, before attempting to look to the future.
Issued via the club's official website, the statement reads: Dear Saddlers supporters. Monday’s game at Wembley wasn’t the outcome that any of us had wished for, given all the hope we had raised, and the outstanding moments and memories created over the season. Missing out on promotion, after everything we put in together hurt us all. We all felt it with you at the final whistle – the same sense of disappointment at not being able to give that one big final moment to everyone, and the same aching desire for more.
We acknowledge that during the second half of the season we failed to continue the outstanding results of the first 25 or so matches, and in the end over the full season we didn’t gain enough points to achieve promotion. The results during the spring period weren’t enough and have led to us all feeling a level of disappointment and of missed opportunity after we had put ourselves into a great, unprecedented position. Everybody involved in the club, from staff, to players, to owners, are absolutely gutted with the manner in which the last 3 months of the season unfolded.
During the January window, we worked incredibly hard to strengthen the squad, to shore up the front line after the recall of our top striker, and to keep our squad together despite significant interest from elsewhere. Some of what we worked on during that period was effective, and some of it was not. We’ll continue to review and learn from that period – both in terms of how we approach future windows and transfer strategy and how we can support the group during those key moments. We came out of the window united and optimistic, but we weren’t able to turn that into the results we all wanted. We are left therefore to try to recover from the heartache of a lost Wembley final, and cast ourselves headlong into preparations for next season at the Bescot, in what will be a rebuilding period.
We are absolutely aware that this football club had been stagnant, to be honest it had regressed, for such a long period of time, with very little for you to cheer about, as many other clubs kicked on and grew, leaving us behind. This is our reality and what we are all working hard every day as a group to change and improve upon.
Over the last few seasons – we can see clear evidence of progress and a renewed sense of hope, positivity and energy. We are all working together as we look to continue on the efforts so far, and we are fully committed to the football club and continue to work with a long-term view of creating a sustainable and thriving club for the town of Walsall.
On this, our mantra has been, and will continue to be, that of steady improvement - bit by bit and year by year. We truly believe that creating a positive culture and stable environment over an extended period of time is the best way to achieve our goals and move the club forwards. Progress is not a straight line – it has its ups and downs – but we are determined to grow and develop as a group. While you may not always agree with our decisions, please do know that we are always attempting to make the most sensible, correct decisions for the club at all times.
There have been plenty of real highs as well over the course of this season - the first half of this season was an incredible experience for us all, including a run in which we posted a club record 9 consecutive victories on the bounce. There has been a renewed excitement and buzz around the stadium which we all felt and truly appreciated. Our team provided us with so many moments that we will cherish – late winners in front of the Poundland Stand, stand out goals, and a revitalised sense of togetherness that lifted us. We have landed on our highest league finish since returning to League Two, our first play-off finish in nearly 10 years, reached our first play-off final in nearly 25 years, and scored more than any other team in the division with the second youngest squad in the league.
Our mission remains clear: to inspire the hearts and minds of our community. That means building a team and a club that you are proud to support – with purpose, ambition and a relentless desire to improve. We will not shirk away from the fact that we aim to do this sustainably and with a strong sense of discipline that will not put the club into any jeopardy in future.
While Monday’s outcome wasn’t what we had wished, what this season has shown us – loud and clear – is that Walsall Football Club is moving forward. There is a spirit and a strength in this team, on and off the pitch, that gives us a foundation to build something special. There have been magical moments and memories this season that will live long in all of our minds – and we fully believe that the club has progressed across so many areas.
Behind the scenes, the work to strengthen the foundations of the club continues at pace. From our recruitment strategy to our facilities, from our Academy and player development focus to supporter experiences, we are working tirelessly to raise standards in every area to ensure long-term success – built the right way.
For this, we want to take a moment to recognise the incredible effort of everyone at the Club this season – our players, our coaches, our staff, the Foundation, our Academy and our volunteers – who have given everything from the first kick to the last. And to you, our supporters: thank you. From Gillingham to Carlisle, your belief and backing have lifted this group time and again. You have backed us in 20-year record numbers both home and away this season, for which we are so appreciative. Thank you also to all of our commercial partners and sponsors - your support is invaluable and allows us to continue to push the club forwards.
There will be an opportunity for supporters to ask your questions directly to all three of us at our next fans forum, which we can announce will take place on Wednesday 9th July 2025 – further details to follow. We will also follow this update with an interview on camera over the coming weeks to provide more detail to you, our supporters.
We now go into the summer united, focused and hungry to come back stronger with the benefit of these experiences. The board and technical staff are already working tirelessly to begin the re-build of a squad that we believe will continue to stand us in good stead to carry us forwards and represent the club with pride, as we all do ourselves each day.
We move past this setback and into the future the same way we went through all of it this season – together. Thank you for your continued support.
Ben, Leigh & Ben.