Walsall FC vs Chelsea: Cheer the Saddlers to success, says mayor
The Mayor of Walsall has called on the town's football mad residents to get behind the Saddlers when they take on Premier League champions Chelsea next month.
Councillor Angela Underhill said Walsall's third round League Cup draw against the country's best side was a 'fantastic opportunity' for the town.
As reported yesterday in the Express & Star the dream clash against Jose Mourinho's men could earn the Banks' Stadium club a whopping pay day of more than £100,000 through ticket sales and merchandise.
The last time the two sides met was back in October 1992 when Walsall lost 1-0 at Stamford Bridge in the League Cup with Robert Fleck scoring the winner.
The match completed a 4-0 aggregate win for Chelsea after they won the first leg at Walsall 3-0 with goals from Dennis Wise, Eddie Newton and Andy Townsend.
The match, which takes place on September 23, is expected to be a sell-out.
Councillor Underhill, who has been the mayor since May, said she hoped it will be a night for thousands to remember.
"To have Chelsea and some of their top players come to Walsall is going to be great for the whole town," she said.
"It will no doubt bring plenty of money into the football club which is great to see and will bring more people to the Banks' Stadium. It's a fantastic opportunity for the people of Walsall to unite and enjoy the occasion.
"The club have had a fantastic year on the pitch and there's certainly been a big change in the football club over the past year or so.
"Getting to Wembley was a big achievement for them and they seemed to have kicked on from that.
"I really hope the stadium is full when the game takes place and the people of Walsall can get behind them."
Board director and club secretary Daniel Mole said: "It's the biggest tie we could have got – you can't bigger than the league champions and holders of the League Cup.
"It's a wonderful draw. It's not everyday you can welcome the current champions to your home turf."
Tickets for the game will cost £25 for adults and £15 for concessions with current season ticket holders given first option.
Priority tickets will go on sale on Tuesday.
