Walsall patron honour given to Mick Kearns
Walsall legend Mick Kearns has been named patron of the club's community programme – with Ben Purkiss also joining the project.
When Kearns set up the community scheme in 1989, it was one of the first in the country and is today viewed as a big asset by the club.
Now the former goalkeeper is returning to be its figurehead at the request of Adam Davy, who replaced him as community director in 2013.
"At the end of 2014 I found myself in the situation of needing to name a new patron," explained Davy.
"The decision was very easy for me to make and I was honoured to be able to ask Mick.
"Having worked with Mick for 20 years I saw first-hand how he had started the scheme in 1989 and led it forward to 2013 when I took over from him.
"Mick has such a fantastic reputation as a player and legend of the club.
"The scheme is a big reason why Walsall FC is proudly seen as a community club."
Former Republic of Ireland international Kearns, who remains the club;s most capped international, added: "Adam has worked hard as my replacement and is doing a great job.
"As patron I will be on hand to offer any help and advice I can give him when he needs it. It's an honour to have been asked and I was more than happy to accept."
Purkiss, who won the club's community player of the season award in 2014, joins the scheme as the first-ever community player ambassador.
Purkiss said: "As a professional footballer I enjoy the responsibility of being a role-model and to link that up by being the ambassador for the community scheme is an exciting prospect for me.
"I have volunteered my time to link up with the scheme and its staff to visit projects they are running around the town and add my support to the fantastic work that goes on in the Walsall area.
"The visit to a school last week was an interesting one and hopefully the children and staff found the session inspiring and helpful for the children's school work."
