“Walsall Football Club are extremely satisfied with the way that Paul Merson is carrying out his role as Player Manager. He has assembled a good team around him, and the club are looking forward to a successful 2004/05 campaign with Paul at the helm. The personal addictions with which Paul has had to deal with in recent years are well documented, and the material included in newspaper articles over the weekend contain little not already known. Paul has worked hard, and continues to do so, to overcome the addictions he has had to face. He works closely with Walsall Football Club Owner/Director, Jeff Bonser, and has the full support of everyone at Bescot Stadium. Paul has lifted the atmosphere at the club. He has created the kind of positive attitude that, if translated into 'on-the-field' performances, will produce an entertaining and successful season."
Meanwhile the club has announced squad numbers for the forthcoming season. Mark Paston beats off competition from Richard McKinney and has been allocated the number one shirt formerly held by Jimmy Walker.