Best ever Full Backs? You decide

By Admin
June 3 2005

It's now time to elect the Legends XI fullbacks. 4 Slots are up for grabs this time round.

Brian Caswell (D RLC/M RL) Walsall Historian Geoff Allman calls him Walsall's greatest ever utility player. Key figure in Milk Cup run of the early 80's.  Always looked like he could have played at a higher level, but only got his chance very late in his career.

Colin Harrison (DR/L, M) Made 529 record appearances for the Saddlers between 1963-81, one of our greatest ever servants.  Could play almost anywhere, and did!  A very cultured footballer.

 Kenny Mower  (DL).  A local lad, tall and uncompromising left back, was a key member of the team that reached the Milk Cup Semi Finals.  His greatest ever game was probably the first leg match at Anfield.

 Frank Gregg  (DR).  Held down that position for a long time during the sixties.  A tough tackler, he was another very under rated footballer, making almost 400 appearances for the Saddlers.

 Wayne Evans (DR).  Came from non League football to become our most consistent defender and was robbed of a chance of a Welsh Cap only due to injury.  Released by Rochdale this summer. 

Tony Macken (DR).  An Irish international, came from Derby County.  Highly rated in Mick Kearns’ Walsall Dream Team, he was an extremely cultured footballer and excellent full back.  Was also always one of my personal favourite players.

Diego (Gino) Padula (DL).  My most controversial choice, I know, following his desire to leave the club as soon after relegation as possible, but he was still one of the best left backs I have seen during my 40 years of watching the team.  The little Argentinean was quick and skilful, whether defending or going forward, and was a great loss to the side.  Now playing for QPR.

Neil Pointon (DL) Neil was one of the driving forces behind our rise to the first division in the late 90s. Played at the top level with Everton before joining us, captained the side on many occasions.

Chris Marsh (DR, Utility) This guy needs no introduction to Walsall fans. He played in every position for the Saddlers but will always be remembered for the right back slot he made his own during the mid to late 1990s. Highlights include a key goal in the promotion game against Oldham in 98/99 ,hiding the club mini bus while training at Lilleshall and that goal which nearly knocked Leeds out of the cup in 94/95.

Wayne Williams (DR) Only ever played for the Saddlers while they were in Division 4  under Kenny Hibbitt, but one of the most consistent performers from that era.

The poll is now up on the front page and on the menu bar of the Forum.