Walsall star Ryan Stirk hopes to make up for Wembley disappointment
Ryan Stirk's only previous experience of Wembley was a frustrating one.
He kicked his heels in the dugout while watching on helpless, unable to play a part as loan club Mansfield were soundly beaten by Port Vale in the League Two play-off final of 2022.
Three years on, he is no longer a loan player. He swapped Birmingham City for Walsall and is now itching for a better Wembley experience in helping the Saddlers create history by winning at the national stadium for the first time.
"Unfortunately with Mansfield we lost 3-0 but I'm hoping for a better outcome this time," recalled Stirk, 24.
."I remember going down the day before and obviously Wembley is ... Wembley. It's an amazing stadium. By the time you get there you've already been around the stadium, so you are a bit more relaxed.
"In the lead up to kick-off you're warming up on the pitch and fans are starting to fill, you get that atmosphere. It's just an incredible day for everybody that can be there, the fans and everyone.
"Hopefully this time it can be an incredible finish for us and we get what we want."
Stirk made 36 appearances in all competitions on his season-long loan at Mansfield but boss Nigel Clough opted against introducing the midfielder after the Stags found themselves 2-0 and a man down by half-time.
