Walsall legend backs Steve Jenkins

Walsall legend Chris Marsh has thrown his weight behind Steve Jenkins and insisted he is the real deal.

Music producer Jenkins has urged Walsall Council to buy the up-for-sale Banks's Stadium to safeguard the future of the club.

The council have so far refused to discuss the prospect of owning the land, despite repeated calls from fans and Jenkins, and now Marsh has joined them.

The stadium has been on the market for two months and Jenkins last week moved to try to help resolve the uncertainty surrounding the ground, which could cost more than £5million.

And Marsh insisted Jenkins, a former MD of Jive Records, wasn't doing it just to gain publicity.

The ex-defender, who made 479 appearances for the Saddlers, said: "He's got Walsall running through his veins.

"I would rather have someone like him, with a bit of influence and razzmatazz, trying to do something than not at all.

"He's one of the most genuine people you can meet. The fans have to back Steve all the way and hopefully we can get the council on board. If you can show me a bigger Walsall fan than Steve then I'd like to meet him.

"He used to go to New York twice a month for long weekends for work but he'd fly back on a Saturday to watch Walsall and then return to New York on the Sunday. He's the real deal.

"He goes back to the Don Penn era, he lives and breathes Walsall."

Jenkins has worked with Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake and goes to as many games as his schedule allows.

But Marsh insisted, despite the glamorous lifestyle, that Jenkins always wanted to play for the Saddlers instead.

He said: "He's a big mover and shaker in the music business and he's got a great job.

"I used to say I'd swap jobs with him, but he'd always say he'd give up everything to play for Walsall and walk down the tunnel at Halifax on a wet Tuesday night."

Marsh believes the council now need to seriously look at the proposal - because it would be a political goldmine.

He added: "It would gain you votes off fans, you would influence 5,000 to 7,000 votes. It's a no-brainer."