Saddlers survive the drop by the skin of their teeth
Season 2002-03 Part Two
Albion’s supporters were voted the best in the Premiership
WHILE the season was to end with Wolves and Albion swapping divisions, Walsall had a very moderate campagin, staying put – just – by ending up in 17th place in Division One.
With Ray Graydon initally and then Colin Lee at the helm, the Saddlers lost six of their opening nine games, had decent period of results between late September and early November, but after that it was a bit of struggle. And when the curtain finally came down, the team’s record was poor: played 46, won 15, drew 9 and lost 22 with a goal count of 67 for and 69 against, for a points tally of 54 – eight above the drop-zone.
The Saddlers’ best win was 4-2 at home to Stoke, while their heaviest defeat was 5-0 at Preston in mid-march. Brazilian trainee Junior (15 goals) and Jorge Leito (11) were the top scorers.
In the two domestic knockout cup competitions, Wolves reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup before losing to Southampton; Albion were eliminated in the fourth round by Watford, and Walsall fell at the fifth fence, beaten by Sheffield United.
In the League Cup, Wolves were ousted 4-2 on penalties by Rotherham
United in the first round (after a 4-4 draw); Albion crashed out in round one at Wigan and Walsall beat Shrewsbury Town and Nottingham Forest before losing to Blackburn Rovers in round 3.
Around the clubs: Two big-money signings made by Wolves this term saw Paul Ince and Denis Irwin both arrive at Molineux from Manchester United. And Sir Jack Hayward handed over the chairmanship of the club to his son, Rick.
Albion’s Chambers brothers, Adam and James, became the first set of twins to play in a Premiership game, versus Arsenal. Bob Taylor made his 377th appearance for Albion – and at the end of the season 16,000 fans attended his testimonial match. To replace him the Baggies re-signed Lee Hughes from Coventry City for a club record fee of £2.5m. Also moving into The Hawthorns were Scott Marshall, Lloyd Dyer, Sean Gregan, Jason Koumas, Joe Murphy and Ronnie Wallwork, while Jordao and Des Lyttle moved out.
Albion’s supporters were voted Best in the Premiership this season, which saw Jeremy Peace take over as club chairman from Paul Thompson.
And finally, Australian international David Zdrilic scored in all three competitions for the Saddlers in 2002-03.