Jenkins' vision has Bonser's backing

Steve Jenkins has revealed the support of Walsall chairman Jeff Bonser as his campaign to get Walsall Council to buy the Banks's Stadium gathers pace.

The music producer and lifelong Saddler has spoken to the owner and written to all 60 councillors outlining the details and the benefits of owning the up-for-sale ground.

The council would earn £477,000 rent a year from the Saddlers - well above anything they would pay back if they took out a loan to buy the ground.

Supporters' groups have also penned a letter for fans to sign and send to their councillor with the club united behind Jenkins' vision.

He said: "I have spoken with Mr Bonser on behalf of the fans to gain more detailed information regarding the sale and I am convinced he is wholeheartedly behind the campaign for Walsall Council to buy the site.

"DTZ, the selling agents, have already received a number of serious enquiries from interested purchasers and believe the site could be sold in the very near future.

"Walsall Council are being given a golden opportunity to invest in the town's flagship stadium, which will ensure that Walsall can play its football in the town for decades to come.

"The return on this investment will also produce a surplus to spend on other of the town's leisure facilities like libraries and swimming baths."

Bonser has also offered a concession to the council - allowing them to work closely with the club should they own the ground.

Jenkins, a former MD of Jive Records, said: "As the landlord the council would need to satisfy itself that Walsall can always pay the rent.

"To this end, Mr Bonser agreed he was prepared to enter into a fixed arrangement where a member of the council or a nominated officer would have an auditing role within the club."

Council leader Mike Bird dismissed the idea without discussion last week but Jenkins insisted it's viable.

He said: "They should seek a loan through the traditional Prudential borrowing route which enables councils to borrow at discounted rates to invest in community projects.

"There would be no cost to the taxpayers of Walsall as the annual repayment on any borrowing would be substantially lower than the rental income received from Walsall."