Roy Whalley: Jeff Bonser merits a statue at Walsall
Outgoing Walsall commercial director Roy Whalley today declared chairman Jeff Bonser should have a statue built in his honour at the Banks's Stadium.
The former chief executive, who leaves the Saddlers in a full-time capacity today after 27 years, believes Bonser has never been given enough credit for saving the club from possible extinction when he bought it in 1991.
Bonser has not attended a Saddlers game at the Banks's Stadium for more than three years, because of frequent criticism from supporters.
But Whalley believes Bonser, along with fellow former chairman and 1980s Save Walsall campaign leader Barrie Blower, should be regarded as a saviour of the Saddlers.
The 66-year-old says both men are worthy of permanent tribute at the club's home.
He said: "Jeff has taken a lot of criticism but supporters should always remember that if it hadn't been for Jeff Bonser in 1991, we would have lost the club.
"He was the only person prepared to come in and keep it going as a football club.
"Jeff came in when we were losing a lot of money and has acted as a banker for this club ever since really, to tide us through some very difficult times.
"Just as Barrie Blower deserves a statue here so does Jeff Bonser, because he was the saviour of the club."
Over recent years, Bonser has faced fierce criticism from fans over a lack of communication and the rent the club pay on their facilities.
In 2011, he announced the freehold for the Banks's was up for sale and an open invitation for buyers to discuss any deal remains open.
Whalley reckons Bonser should be lauded and claims fans need to be more realistic in their expectations.
He added: "People accuse us of not being ambitious enough but we live within our means.
"Whatever you say, this club has always paid its way. We have always paid our bills.
"We are very critical of those clubs which spend money they don't have. We think it's cheating.
"Jeff Bonser has never gone for cheap popularity, he has done what he thinks is correct for the long-term future of the club.
"This club is seen as a model of how clubs should be run."
And Bonser himself today paid tribute to Whalley's contribution to the club, saying: "Roy is, in my opinion, the most competent football secretary and chief executive in football.
"The journey has been challenging, interesting, stressful and, at times, very humorous. I sincerely hope Roy enjoys a long and happy retirement."
