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Wembley boosts Saddlers' finances despite loss

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Walsall Football Club will be boosted by a windfall of more than £600,000 thanks to the club's historic cup run. more

Despite defeat at Wembley in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final, club bosses can expect a massive financial bonus from the competition.

The Saddlers will receive more than £500,000 from Wembley gate receipts, plus £69,000 in total prize money from progress in the cup.

More cash has been raised ticket sales on the cup run, including a sell-out in the semi-final against Preston North End.

Cash has also come in through the sales of merchandise and TV revenue - although the exact figure has not been revealed.

Last year, the club made a profit of £19,000.

Club staff received a day off yesterday, but club secretary Dan Mole said the competition had given the club a financial boost, helping to raise a six-figure sum - but would not disclose exactly how much.

Both Walsall and Bristol City receive half of 90 per cent of ticket sales at Wembley.

He said: "It's certainly been a good fundraiser for the club.

"A decision is yet to be made on how the money will be spent.

"Wembley was a wonderful occasion and we will build from this."

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Despite the defeat and disappointment, Saddlers boss Dean Smith said getting to Wembley and having so many fans there supporting the team had been a great achievement.

He added: "We won't dwell on it - we always knew this was a special occasion and we wanted to embrace it.

"Our supporters certainly did that - to get 30,000 there was an amazing achievement and we played against the champions-elect in our league and just come up short."

More than 40 club coaches and many more minibuses made the 120-mile journey down the M1 for the big day.

Fans, who included music mogul Pete Waterman, turned Wembley Way into a sea of red and white.

The town has been awash with Wembley fever since Walsall's win over Preston in January secured their place in the final.

Leading up to the match, bright right red scarves, banners, flags and even a wedding dress were on show all over Walsall.

The Johnstone's Paint Trophy was paraded through the town before making a tantalising appearance at the Banks's Stadium earlier this month, where there was a meet-and-greet with players and a forum with Dean Smith and special guests answering questions from fans.

Goals from Aden Flint and Mark Little gave Bristol City the win at the Wembley final in front of a huge 72,315 crowd.