Chief: Saddlers ground first class
Chief executive Roy Whalley believes the Saddlers' new £1m training ground is another step to making the club ready for Championship status.
Chief executive Roy Whalley believes the Saddlers' new £1m training ground is another step to making the club ready for Championship status.
The complex in Essington was opened this morning and will provide the club's first permanent training base.
He said: "After 120 years we are no longer nomads.
"We want to develop an infrastructure to develop us to get back to the Championship.
"This is a big piece of the jigsaw that we need to compete at that level. A lot of people have made a big impact into making this happen.
"Jeff Bonser has been the driving force behind it and has provided the resources to make this happen.
"It is very much a state-of-the-art facility. I think it will be a great thing for Walsall FC."
Facilities include two football pitches with the same dimensions as the Banks's Stadium surface, gym, physio area and canteen.
Whalley also believes the facilities would help the club in attracting new players.
He said: "I think it's going to be a good selling point for the club. The playing surfaces are like walking on a lawn so there's no doubt the players will love it.
"When players are talking to the club about joining one of the things they look for is the training facilities. And not just the professionals – the youngsters as well."
The new site got the thumbs-up from boss Jimmy Mullen, who beamed: "We have got a fantastic facility."
Defender Rhys Weston added: "It helps to have a dedicated base with on-site facilities rather than having to travel to different locations throughout the week.
"It will make things easier and it is a step in the right direction. Hopefully we will see the benefits throughout the season and into the future."
The complex, leased from Essington Parish Council, can be used for public meetings and as a polling station on election days.
Mr Whalley is looking forward to building a partnership with the people of Essington.
He said: "The local residents were very supportive of the move here and we are looking forward to making a real contribution to the community.
"I'm sure our community team will be coming into the area and putting some activities on. I'm sure we will help to put this area on the map."
The club originally looked at developing a site in Long Lane in partnership with Wyrley Juniors FC.
They instead went ahead with the Broad Lane site after it was recommended to them by parish councillor David Clifft.
The club has a 33-year lease with the council.
