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 Football Conference 2003–04 Football Conference Since its inception in 1979, The Football Conference has formed the fifth-highest level of the overall English Football League System. The 2003–04 Football Conference season was the 25th season of the Football Conference and the last consisting of a single division. The top team and the winner of the play-offs were promoted to Football League Two, while this season only one team was relegated. A total of 22 teams contest the division, including 17 sides from last season, two relegated from the Football League Two and winners of Northern Premier League, Southern Football League and Isthmian League.