Jeff Bonser aims to make Walsall a Championship club

May 7 2008 By Brian Halford

JEFF Bonser has outlined his ambition to make Walsall a club who can "compete effectively" at Championship level.

The Walsall chairman, and notably his decision to sell key players Scott Dann and Danny Fox in January, was the subject of protests before, during and after the final game of the season last Saturday.

Many supporters also feel Richard Money, who resigned as manager last month, would have stayed had he been furnished with bigger budgets.

They perceive a lack of ambition from the board. But, as Bonser mulls over who to appoint to the Saddlers hot-seat next, he claims his ambition for the club is as high as that of the fans.

"My ambition, which is shared by each of my board colleagues, is for Walsall Football Club to return to the Championship," the chairman said.

"We are building a club that will not only be able to do this, but compete effectively at the higher level, rather than just survive."

For this to happen in the near future, the board must get the pending appointment right.

Several factors behind the scenes (the new training ground, a steady production line of young players) are encouraging. But whoever replaces Money as manager has his work cut out to wield Walsall into a promotion force next season.

He will inherit only four experienced players on contract - and none at all with any experience in midfield or attack.

Bonser plucked out a plum two years ago when he fished Money out of the vast global reservoir of out-of-work managers.

That was a surprise appointment - and one of a coach of rock-solid credentials rather than flamboyant reputation.

And the chairman has hinted he is looking for something similar this time round.

"Football is littered with clubs who choose managers on the basis of their playing record or being a 'big name' rather than their ability to do the job," he said.

"I can promise that the next appointment will be the candidate we consider able to take the club to the Championship."