The 2003-04 campaign was a season of devastating heartbreak for Walsall as The Saddlers, despite a blistering start that included 4-1 thrashings of local rivals West Bromwich Albion and Nottingham Forest, ultimately finished 22nd in the First Division and were relegated. The season saw a dramatic fall from a Boxing Day high of being just four points off the play-offs to a severe slump that resulted in the sacking of manager Colin Lee and the dramatic appointment of icon Paul Merson as player-manager. Leading the line was the Portuguese striker Jorge Leitão, whose 7 goals were crucial, yet the team fell agonizingly short of safety on the final day, just two more goals would have saved their top-flight status. It remains a painful, defining chapter that marked the end of an era for the club.