Walsall started the season strongly with 4β1 wins over local rivals
West Bromwich Albion and
Nottingham Forest, and on Boxing Day were four points off the play-offs. However, the club's form slumped in 2004, with the club not picking up another league win until March. Manager
Colin Lee was sacked on 16 April, though the official reason given was that Lee had contacted Plymouth Argyle regarding their managerial vacancy.
Paul Merson was appointed temporary player-manager, assisted by fellow player
Simon Osborn. Ultimately, Walsall would be relegated on the last day of the season despite a 3β2 win over Rotherham United: an extra two goals scored during the campaign would have been enough for them to climb above Gillingham to safety. Despite the sorry end to the campaign,
Paul Merson was handed a permanent contract as manager.
Defender
Paul Ritchie was named as the club's Player of the Season, but returned to Scotland to play for Dundee United at the end of the season.
^Lawrence was born in
Wandsworth, England, but also qualified to represent Jamaica internationally and made his international debut for
Jamaica in 2000.
^Burton was born in
Reading,
England, but also qualified to represent
Jamaica internationally and made his international debut for
Jamaica in September 1997.
Walsall started the season strongly with 4β1 wins over local rivals
West Bromwich Albion and
Nottingham Forest, and on Boxing Day were four points off the play-offs. However, the club's form slumped in 2004, with the club not picking up another league win until March. Manager
Colin Lee was sacked on 16 April, though the official reason given was that Lee had contacted Plymouth Argyle regarding their managerial vacancy.
Paul Merson was appointed temporary player-manager, assisted by fellow player
Simon Osborn. Ultimately, Walsall would be relegated on the last day of the season despite a 3β2 win over Rotherham United: an extra two goals scored during the campaign would have been enough for them to climb above Gillingham to safety. Despite the sorry end to the campaign,
Paul Merson was handed a permanent contract as manager.
Defender
Paul Ritchie was named as the club's Player of the Season, but returned to Scotland to play for Dundee United at the end of the season.
^Lawrence was born in
Wandsworth, England, but also qualified to represent Jamaica internationally and made his international debut for
Jamaica in 2000.
^Burton was born in
Reading,
England, but also qualified to represent
Jamaica internationally and made his international debut for
Jamaica in September 1997.