A poignant image steeped in nostalgia proudly hangs above the staircase, depicting the former Saddlers skipper lifting the League Two title in 2007. Seventeen years later, the sight of it still brings a smile to his face as he reminisces about Walsall’s successful season.
“It’s amusing because a couple of photos surfaced the other day that I hadn’t seen before, showing all the lads on the pitch holding flags,” he recalls. “It was quite pleasant to see them, and I was reminiscing with my kids, asking them, ‘Can you spot me?’ They were curious about who was who, especially since I didn’t have children at that time. Now, with a 15-year-old and an 11-year-old, they didn’t witness any of it. It was nice to relive those moments with them. Even my wife was in the crowd, reminiscing about the day with me.”
It had been a dream debut season for Dobson. The midfielder, concluding his 16-year tenure with Brentford, declined offers from higher tiers to join Walsall, making his final decision amidst a tug-of-war with Swindon Town.
Richard Money was devising his title-winning strategy, assembling a squad with a balanced mix of youth and experience: budding talent alongside proven quality. Scott Dann, at 20, a Walsall academy product, was almost let go by the club before Money’s arrival. He later enjoyed a successful career with Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers, and Crystal Palace in the Premier League. Alongside him were 21-year-olds Anthony Gerrard and Danny Fox, both destined for higher levels. This young trio played crucial roles alongside more seasoned players.
Money entrusted Dean Keates, Martin Butler, Chris Westwood, Darren Wrack, and his newly-appointed captain Dobson as the leaders of the dressing room. Dobson eagerly embraced the role, thriving in the often unnoticed yet vital aspects of the game, much to the appreciation of his teammates.
Keates dubbed him the ‘unsung hero’ of the title-winning side, crediting him with his career-high tally of 13 goals.
