DESPITE regularly rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in the music business, Steve Jenkins has never forgotten his roots.

Walsall born-and-bred, the 52 year-old is a staunch Saddler and a regular at home and away games, with his passion for the club as strong now as it was back in the 1960s when he idolised the likes of Allan Clarke, Jimmy McMorran and Stan Bennett from the Fellows Park terraces.

His professional career has seen him progress from local DJ to Managing Director of Jive Records - a position that he has held for 16 years, during which time he has launched the careers of artists such as Britney Spears, R. Kelly, Justin Timberlake, Steps and Backstreet Boys. Despite his musical success, The Saddlers have always been the real love of his life.

"My biggest passion has always been Walsall FC and no matter where I am in the world or what project I am involved with, I always like to keep in touch with what is going on back at Bescot Stadium. "Despite having lived in London for the past 23 years, I always manage to get to at least 30 games each season; I just love the buzz that comes with following the club and being around so many friends and like-minded people who share the same passion and commitment as myself. It means many hours driving up and down the motorway, but it is well worth it."

Since attending his first game with his grandfather at the age of eight, Jenkins has been hooked and has witnessed so many ups and downs over the years.

"After watching my first game I knew that I wanted to come back for more," he recalled. "My dad started taking me to games in 1962/63 and by 1964/65 I was a regular at all home matches and a fully-fledged Saddler.

"There are so many memories that stick in my mind from down the years, like our FA Cup exploits of 1974/75 when we beat Manchester United and then Newcastle United - I can still see George Andrews' winning goal hitting the back of the net and the celebrations that followed! Then there was the Milk Cup run of 1983/84 and those balmy nights at Arsenal, Rotherham and Liverpool when the pace of Mark Rees ripped apart our top-flight opponents. Also, who can forget David Kelly's hat-trick against Bristol City in the play-off final of 1987/88? Or Chris Marsh's goal against Oldham Athletic in May 1999 that virtually confirmed promotion during Ray Graydon's first season at the helm?

"Then there was that never-to-be-forgotten day at the Millennium Stadium when it seemed like the whole of Walsall had descended upon Cardiff to see Darren Byfield's dramatic winner defeat Reading. It makes the pulse race just thinking of these occasions and quickly erases all of the low points that we have suffered over the years.

"We have also been very fortunate to see so many talented players turn out for the club. The likes of Allan Clarke, Jimmy McMorran and Stan Bennett were childhood heroes of mine, whilst Alan Buckley and David Kelly were always dangerous in front of goal, Mark Rees had so much pace down the wing and Chris Marsh gave 100% no matter what. In recent years, Jimmy Walker, Dean Keates and Ian Roper have given outstanding service to our cause and are extremely popular figures amongst the fans."

Visit Steve's website: www.stevejenkinsuk.com/