'There’s a real buzz in Walsall as the Saddlers head to Wembley' - Community urged to 'get behind the boys' for massive play-off match
There's a real buzz in Walsall right now, says Councillor Garry Perry.
And so there should be: in just one week, the Saddlers will take to Wembley Stadium to face AFC Wimbledon for a shot at promotion to League One.
The League Two promotion play-off final on Monday, May 26, will see tens of thousands of fans turn out to support their team, with kick-off at 3.01pm.
The extra minute has been added as part of the Every Minute Matters campaign - a collaboration between Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation which aims to get football fans learning CPR in case of an emergency during the game.
Ahead of the monumental match, Walsall Council leader Garry Perry has shared his - and the whole town's - excitement.
"There’s a real buzz in Walsall right now as the Saddlers head to Wembley – you only had to see the queues at the Poundland Bescot Stadium as the first tickets went on sale to feel the anticipation," he said.
"It’s a special moment, not just for the club, but for the whole community, lifting the mood as we step into what has been a beautifully sunny start to spring.
"Walsall FC has always been at the heart of this town, bringing people together through every high and low. I still remember that unforgettable day in 2001 when the Saddlers beat Reading in Cardiff to secure promotion to Division One – the atmosphere was electric, the celebrations immense, and the pride for our club truly something special.
"If the lads can bring it home again, it could be a bank holiday bonanza – a chance for Walsall to celebrate another remarkable chapter in Walsall’s footballing history.
"So, whether you’re a die-hard Saddler or just a proud Walsallian, let’s get behind the boys and make this another moment to remember. Come on, you Saddlers!"
Walsall beat Chesterfield FC 4-1 on aggregate in their play-off semi-final.
