2003–04 Walsall F.C. season be relegated on the last day of the season despite a 3-2 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. 2003–04 Walsall F.C. season During the 2003–04 season, Walsall participated in the Football League First Division. Walsall started the season strongly
2003–04 Derby County F.C. season 2003–04 Derby County F.C. season During the 2003–04 English football season, Derby County F.C. competed in the First Division. George Burley's first full season in charge brought little joy as Derby recorded a 20th-placed finish in the 2003–04 season, just 1 point clear of relegation with safety not confirmed until the penultimate game of the season with a 2–0 win over Millwall. With no money for players and the need to slash the club's wage bill, big names such as Fabrizio Ravanelli, Georgi Kinkladze and Craig Burley left the club with the gaps of their departure shored up by free