Legends XI : Central Midfield

 Martin O'Connor (CM)- Captained the club during two separate spells. Skipperd Chris Nicholls side to promotion in 94/95, then came back for a second spell between 2002-2003 where he helped the Saddlers secure their First Division status. A grafter, a leader, a favourite with the fans. 

Charlie Ntamark (CM, RB)- Cameroon International Charlie Ntamark will always be remembered for his silky skills and versatility. He was the first of Paul Taylor's continental all stars, and won the player of the season trophy in 1990/1991. 

Johnny Devlin (CM) - Joined from Kilmarnock in 1947 for the (then) enormous fee of
00. Went on to make over 160 appearances, scoring more than 50 goals, before retiring
in 1952.

Dennis Wilshaw (CM). Was one of our young stars just post war, before being sold to
Arsenal, becoming one of their all time greats, scoring over 100 goals for them at almost a goal every other game.

Alex Taylor (CM). Brought with Ramsden's money to help keep us up following the
promotion under Coakley. Many Walsall fans believe he might have done it, if he hadn't
have picked up a bad injury. Hard working, good passer, eye for goal.

Jim McMorran (CM). Mainstay of the midfield in the mid to late sixties. Very much a player in the Jim Baxter mould, with a wonderful range of passing.

Alan Baker (CM). A local lad, came to us from the Villa. After a slowish start, got better
and better, before being cruelly injured and having to cut short his career. Hard working
midfield player, always "available" and still a fan!

Mick Bates (CM). Had one great season for us, having arrived from Leeds, where he was
good enough to have been Giles' understudy in a European Cup Final. Often looked too
intelligent for his team mates!

David (Mini) Preece (CM). What he lacked in stature, he more than made up in ability! 
Made well over 100 appearances for Walsall, including that League Cup run, before being
sold to Luton for ,000. Made 356 appearances for them, achieving representative
honours fro England, although not quite a full cap. Hard working, tough tackler, good
passer.

Craig Shakespeare (CM). Another local lad, was Preece's "partner in crime" in the engine
room of the side. Over 300 appearances for the Saddlers, before moving on (for large fees)
to Sheffield Wednesday, Albion and Grimsby. Hammer of a left foot.

Ken Hodgkisson (CM). One of the stalwarts of the 1960s promotion winning sides. As with
all good central midfielders, had the right blend of the work ethic, passing range and the
ability to get his foot in. Complimented "Chopper" Gutteridge, in many ways!