Up the Saddlers! Town gets behind Walsall

These are the words of Walsall Council's leader Councillor Mike Bird, as he and the rest of the borough look back on Walsall FC's season — which could culminate in promotion to the Championship this weekend.

The team travel to mid-table Port Vale on Sunday afternoon in need of a convincing victory over the Stoke-on-Trent side to be in with a chance of sealing automatic promotion and not having to settle for the play-offs.

On top of beating The Vale, Jon Whitney's side will be relying on the as good as relegated Doncaster Rovers to beat current second place side Burton Albion.

At the moment, the Brewers are ahead by three points and it could all go down to goal difference on the final day of the season as to whether Walsall join Wolves, Villa and Blues in the The Championship next season.

The outcome of the season may be unknown, but the impact the side has had on Walsall as a town can already be measured.

Councillor Bird said: "They could be playing Villa next year and that would be a time.

"They have done exceptionally well this season. It's sad they sometimes lose it in the last few minutes. When you look at the games they've lost, they seem to lose concentration and focus.

"But I think they've done a great job this season and I don't think people realise how much they bring to Walsall.

"There is a great feeling among fans. We all went to Wembley. Maybe they're on a roll? We all wish them well."

Walsall fan, Martin Owen, who goes to most of the games at the Banks's, added: "I think we have done really well and had a really good season. We've been unlucky at times and played well at times but overall it's been a good season; the fans have enjoyed it and there's been some nice football at times.

"We have slipped up at home where we took a point in five games and the play offs look far off but strangers things have happened."

Walsall's main sponsor HomeServe, who employ hundreds of people in the borough, have backed the club's bid to reach the play-offs this weekend.

John Greaves who is the brand director at HomeServe, said: "We enjoy a great relationship with Walsall FC and are really proud of the Club's incredible achievements over the last two seasons.

"We love being part of the Walsall community and it's fantastic to see the Club put the town on the map for its successes on the pitch.

"Having worked so closely with the Club, their success doesn't come as a surprise as we've seen first-hand how dedicated and passionate the whole Club and its supporters are.

"We're really excited and fully behind the Saddlers in their bid to reach the Championship - Up the Saddlers!"

Should Walsall get promoted to The Championship, the bookies currently have Walsall at 9/1 to get promoted to the Premier League and 3/1 to go back down.

Spokesperson at bookmakers Ladbrokes, Alex Donohue, said: "There isn't as much different between the promotion and relegation odds for the Saddlers as many might think, highlighting how competitive a division the Championship is.

"Should Walsall avoid injuries and get a good run at the right time, a bid for the Premier League isn't entirely ruled out."

Club legend and former goalkeeper Mick Kearns reckons anyone predicting Walsall's superb season would have been 'mad' – as he urged players to enjoy Sunday's final day at Port Vale.

He said: "Had anyone predicted this scenario at the start of the season, then I think there would have been calls for them to go to the funny farm. From that point of view it has been fantastic."

Do you have an office or family driven apart by Walsall/Burton rivalry? Get in touch by emailing joseph.masi@expressandstar.co.uk