Saddlers Legends

After last week's poor display, this week Vital Football looks at a player who while some would say had his best years at Oldham, he played a massive role for the Saddlers in his short spell at the Bescot.

Neil Pointon was yet another classic Walsall signing. Over 30, defensive minded but generally very solid.

Pointon arrived at Bescot in 1998 and played a huge part in our promotion to Division 1- ironically sealed with that fantastic 3-1 over, oh that's right, Oldham!

If Ray Graydon wanted experience at left-back that season he got it in bucketfulls with Pointon. When he arrived he had already made over 400 league appearances in England and Scotland and he was still seen as a player managers couldn't leave out.

Pointon was quickly made captain by Graydon and his performances were often that of a true leader. Never afraid to stick his foot in Pointon was as key to our promotion as any other player.

Since leaving Bescot, Pointon went on to play for Chesterfield and Hednesford where he scored a memorable goal in one of Town's FA Cup runs against, what a surprise, Oldham.

He had a short spell as manager of the Pitmen but after losing 9 games in a row was quickly shown the door. Pointon is now working as a youth team coach at Leeds.

If you have any memories of Neil Pointon let us know on our forum.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.

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