FRANK Gregg spent his entire playing career with Walsall, accumulating a total of 393 Football League appearances between 1960 and 1974.

A pupil at Audnam School, Stourbridge, he represented Brierley Hill Schools and Birmingham County Boys before joining the Fellows Park groundstaff, turning professional in October 1959.

Defensively strong, with great anticipation and solid tackle, Gregg made his third division debut at right-back at Reading in October 1960 in what was to be a promotion-winning season for The Saddlers. With the likes of Grenville Palin, John Sharples and Bill Guttridge competing for places on the defensive flanks, his chances were limited until he finally claimed a regular first-team place midway through 1962/63, the club's second season in Division Two.

He played in every game in 1964/65 and was voted Player of the Year in 1966/67 and then in a remarkable 1967/68 campaign he participated in 46 third division games, six FA Cup ties and two League Cup matches. Gregg, who perhaps preferred the left-back position, was still going strong in 1971/72 when Micky Evans came to join him at full-back, and together with Stan Jones and Stan Bennett formed a terrific defensive foursome.

He was a fine club man and had a marvellous temperament. His last game for Walsall was against Halifax Town in May 1972. He was not quite 30 but chose to leave Fellows Park, signing for non-League Burton Albion before hanging up his boots in 1975.