And Husbands was also a member of the Villains' 2002 FA Youth Cup-winning side although he would later become beset by injury problems which precipitated his release in summer 2003.
More injuries followed at Southend before Husbands joined Bristol Rovers on a non-contract basis at the start of the current season although belt-tightening at the Memorial Stadium means he has been offered the chance to prove himself worthy of a permanent deal with Walsall.
And after making his Saddlers debut as a 33rd-minute replacement for leg-break victim Darren Wrack during the 2-1 weekend defeat at Yeovil, Husbands will be given a chance to further impress Merson.