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Leigh Pomlett: The first aim is to get Walsall back in League One

New owner Leigh Pomlett says he wants Walsall to return to League One as soon as possible.

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Earlier today it was announced the 62-year-old has replaced Jeff Bonser as owner and chairman after acquiring 76 per cent of the club's shares.

Walsall-born Pomlett has worked for some of the UK's biggest blue-chip companies and has supported the Saddlers since he was five.

And following their relegation last season, he says his first aim is to see the club return to League One.

"I am very proud, very excited and, if I am honest, a touch nervous too," Pomlett said after being confirmed as the club's new owner.

"This is a big step to take over the football club but I am very proud and excited and I really can’t wait to get started.

"It’s a relief to get it over the line before the start of the season.

"These things are always very complex, buying and selling companies. Whether it is a football club or another company, it’s always a difficult and complex process.

"This has been conducted over the last three or four months and I am extremely pleased with the outcome.

"It is a relief to get it over the line and it was particularly important to get it over the line before the start of the new season.

"I am ambitious by nature and I wouldn’t have taken over as chairman if I wasn’t ambitious.

"In terms of immediate ambitions, let’s get this club back into League One.

"I am disappointed that we are in League Two and I want us to get back into League One as soon as possible. That is my immediate ambition."

Pomlett's takeover has been a work in progress for a number of months, with the businessman integral to Darrell Clarke's appointment as manager.

"I have been involved in the decision making for a few months now, particularly Darrell and his team, they were my decisions," he continued.

"I was instrumental in bringing Darrell, his team and Miguel (youth coach Miguel Llera) into the football club and I really want us all to get behind these guys.

"They have assembled a really good squad which has a blend of experience and youth.

"I want the whole of our fanbase to get behind this club for the coming season and that is very important."

Working in transport and logistics, Pomlett's career has taken him all over the world. But he says his heart is in Walsall.

"It is a very proud moment to take over as chairman of the football club," he added.

"I go back to the old Fellows Park when I was just five-years-old and many years later, my life has taken me all around the world.

"But I have never lost touch with my roots – my roots are Walsall.

"This club has been in my heart since I was five-years-old. It remains there and it always will, so this is a very proud moment for me, it’s just a great feeling."