Walsall host an open training day

Walsall forgot their relegation woes and opened their doors to fans today as supporters got the chance to meet their heroes.

The Saddlers held a training session at the Banks's Stadium, as 400 fans watched on ahead of the final four games of the season.

Walsall sit fifth bottom in League One, above the relegation zone on goal difference, with their survival fight set to go to the wire.

They host Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday before Monday's trip to Oldham – but got the chance to relax with their fans today.

Callum Naughton, 14, came from Tamworth and has taken advantage of the Saddlers' free season ticket scheme for under-18s next season.

He said: "It's been really good fun. We've got to see how the players train and it's a good community programme. It gets the fans closer to the players.

"I'm a goalkeeper and I'm picking things up just watching what they do in training. I hope they stay up – everyone's behind them."

Will Jones, 16, from Walsall added: "We saw them training last season on the artificial pitch after the Norwich game was called off, but this is a little different.

"It's good to see them, there's a good spirit and Dean Smith seems very positive and enthusiastic."

The players trained for an hour before meeting fans for pictures and autographs and boss Smith spoke to the crowd before the session.

The squad, without the injured Aaron Lescott and Clayton McDonald, went through possession, passing and shooting drills before fans were invited to take part in a penalty competition.

Defender Oliver Lancashire replaced McDonald – who is out for the season with a dislocated shoulder – in Saturday's 3-1 defeat to champions Brighton and hailed the event.

He said: "It's good to bring the fans in and let them see what we do on a day-to-day basis. It's a great turnout with it being Easter and it was nice to meet the fans.

"It brings the whole community together. We need them to get behind the team at the minute and this sort of event will help the relationship between the club and the community.

"They've got on the pitch and kicked the ball around and they've enjoyed it. Hopefully we can get another good turnout against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday."