Tributes to a Saddler who helped win title
A former footballer who helped Walsall FC to the Fourth Division title in 1960 has died, aged 81.
Defender Tim Rawlings, who also spent several years at West Bromwich Albion, was a mainstay of the team that many supporters have hailed as the club's 'golden era'.
He played 201 times for the Saddlers between 1956 and 1963, scoring five goals.
Tributes have today been paid by family and supporters who say he was a vital part of the team's history.
Mr Rawlings spent six years at West Bromwich Albion before he moved to Walsall, but did not make any first team appearances.
It was at the Saddlers that his career took off and he is now fondly remembered by fans.
He was part of Bill Moore's team that won the Fourth Division championship in the 1959-60 season and promotion in 1960-61.
He went on to appear 31 times for Port Vale, scoring twice before moving to Nuneaton Borough, and then his hometown club Coleshill Town.
After growing up in Coleshill, Mr Rawlings – christened Charles but nicknamed Tiny Tim by his mother due to his size – was determined to make it as a footballer.
He married Sheila in 1974 after they met while both working at the Lucas factory in Tyseley, Birmingham, where he was a tool setter, a job he took after retiring from football.
He leaves six children and two stepchildren. His stepdaughter Jane Reeves, 55, said: "He was such a lovely man and everyone loved him.
"He was always talking about his time as a footballer – he loved it and had lots of stories."
Walsall FC Former Players Association secretary Steve Davies said: "On behalf of the association we send our condolences to the family of a true Saddler at this sad time."
He added: "He was part of a golden time at the club and is remembered."
His funeral takes place at Robin Hood Cemetery in Streetsbrook Road, Hall Green, on October 14 at 2.30pm.
His family hope former teammates will attend.
