In what is our most historic event in the past thirty years…Jeff Bonser is no longer chairman of Walsall Football Club.
This is not a joke, this is not a rumour – Walsall Football Club is now in the hands of Leigh Pomlett.
Walsall FC have today confirmed that lifelong Walsall fan Leigh Pomlett has taken over the majority shareholding in the club – ending Jeff Bonsers thirty-one year association with the club.
Leigh Pomlett has acquired 76% majority shareholding in the club.
As part of the deal that sees Leigh take ownership of the Club, the two parties have negotiated an ‘Option to Purchase’ the freehold to reunite it with the Club.
Jeff Bonser and his brother Robert leave the board with immediate effect.
New chairman Leigh Pomlett had this to say to the Official Site
“This is an exciting new chapter,”
“I have been involved with the Club at Board level for the best part of a decade and have been a supporter for over 50 years.”
“I have been fortunate in my career to have occupied a number of high profile, demanding positions. This has meant that I haven’t always been able to dedicate the time I wanted at the Football Club but now I plan to do just that.”
“This deal sees me take over as Major Shareholder and Chairman of Walsall Football Club but, just as importantly to me and the Club, Jeff and I have agreed a deal that will see the Club reunited with the freehold in due course.”
“There is a platform here to move this club forward. My takeover of the club has been ongoing for a number of months, which has allowed me to work alongside my fellow Directors in making a number of strategic changes and appointments that have come to fruition.”
“I firmly believe that, on the football side of the club we have made some excellent appointments and that Darrell and his team are the right men to take this club forward. Having sat on the interview panel for both Darrell and Miguel Llera (Academy Manager) I am confident that the club is in good hands.”
“I will continue to work alongside CEO Stefan Gamble and Club Secretary Daniel Mole, as we have done in the weeks and months leading up to this moment, as we review all aspects of the club in order to give us the best possible opportunity to be successful both on and off the field.”
“It is vital that we build strong relationships with our supporters if we are to grow and prosper. I’m looking forward to a bright future for everyone connected to Walsall Football Club.”
Pomlett was Operations Director for BRS before moving on to Exel Logistics where he became President of their Automotive division based in the USA followed by a return to Europe as the CEO for Europe. Following an acquisition he then became the CEO for DHL in Mainland Europe before moving on to CEVA Logistics as European President based in both Amsterdam and Zurich.
In 2015, Leigh was appointed Executive Director of CEVA and became President of the Freight Transport Association in 2016. After 40 years in the industry, Leigh, who is married to Colette and has three children – James, Ben and Melissa – will now look to spend more time focussing on Club matters.
Everyone at Vital Walsall wishes Leigh the best of luck as he takes over as chairman of this great club.
To all those stayaways – now is your time to return home.
