Saddlers Legends

Mark Rees would have been considered a rare thing in today’s game- a local lad who plays almost all of his career for one club. He may not be as famous as Ryan Giggs but his loyalty to one team- Walsall of course- is just as impressive.

Another thing Rees shared with Giggs was a quick turn of feet and pace that often made defenders look complete muppets!

Having been born in Smethwick, Rees joined Walsall as a 16 year old and within two years he had made his first team debut and looked like he could hold down a first team place in the season to come.

This wasn’t the case however and Rees was often only used as a sub. Despite this, Rees stayed loyal to the Saddlers and played his part in the fantastic Milk Cup run of the mid 1980’s scoring the winning goal that knocked out the mighty Arsenal.

During more than a decade at the club Rees notched up 216 appearances and 42 goals- one of which was the winner in his final game for the club against Mansfield Town.

When Rees did leave, he had short spells in Ireland and the lower leagues of England but he will always be remembered as a Saddler through and through.

If you have any memories of Mark Rees let us know on our forum.