Position(s)

Central Defender

Description

Player attributes

^{Back in 1995 no one but Chris Nicholl could see that Ian Roper was going to be something special. He looked uncomfortable on the ball and very nervous. Nicholl had faith in Roper and involved him in the first team. When Nicholl left in the Summer of 1996 Roper fell out of favour with new manager Jan Sorenson and it looked as though his progress was going stop.}

^{Ray Graydon decided to involve Roper in 98/99, and he went on to form a formidable partnership with Walsall legend Adrian Viveash. The Saddlers finished in second place and were promoted to the first division. The presence of Viveash had a major impact on Ropers game and it was clear that both Graydon and Viveash were helping him improve.}

^{His greatest season was yet to come, and although Walsall got relegated Roper put in a number of sterling defensive performances against some of the divisions hottest strikers - much to the surprise of all the fans. The 2000/2001 season back in the Second Division saw Ian lose his way as new signing Andy Tilson formed a good understanding with Tony Barras as the Saddlers bounced straight back in to Division 1.}

^{01-02 saw Ropes on the transfer list . His days as a Saddler looked numbered. At least until he hit a rich vein of form that saw him come off the transfer list when Colin Lee took over in early 2002.}

^{02/03 was the best season of Ropers career. He won the player of the season award and became a terrace hero thanks to his all action displays at the back. He became the clubs Mr Consistent and his goal line clearance against Pompey towards the end of the season summed up Ropers contribution to the season. It looked like a goal, it was virtually in, and when no one else was around to clear up the mess. Roper was ready and waiting.}

^{While at the Moor Green friendly in late July 03', a group of non Walsall fans who had turned up for match commented on the dopey looking number 6 at the back. "He's a bit porky". "Bet he gets skint when against pace". "He's can't even run". By half time the comments had stopped. Looks are deceiving with Roper. He is our defensive king pin.}

^{04-05 was a good season for Ropes, but a bad one for the team. When fit he played, and was our first choice defender. He started the following season just as brightly, but the good form of Julian Bennett and Neil Emblen soon forced him out of the picture.}

^{That lack of sharpness that had been a problem during the early months was consigned to history during the closing months of the season. Ropes developed a good partnership with Anthony Gerrard, something he'll want to continue well in to 2005-2006. Whether that's the case depends on his form. He is always a slow starter to the season, and with Westwood and Bennett ready to come in, Ropes will need to be on top form.}