Walsall take chance to repay their fans - WATCH
Autographs were signed, pictures were taken and children got to meet their favourite players as Walsall held an open training day.
Hundreds of supporters were at the Banks's Stadium yesterday to watch the Saddlers being put through their paces by boss Jon Whitney ahead of their derby clash with Shrewsbury on Friday.
As well as seeing the players on the hallowed Banks's turf, fans also got to chat to their idols and see them work out in the gym.
One of the stars on show was midfielder Florent Cuvelier. And the Belgian believes it's important fans are given the chance to see what goes on behind the scenes.
"The open training days are always good," the 24-year-old said.
"It's nice to see fans come into the stadium on a Monday morning, watch us train and see how we prepare for games and recover from games.
"It's great to see the young fans and we're very grateful to everyone who turned up.
"It's great that Walsall hold events like this. I've been at a few clubs where events like this don't happen.
"It just shows what a friendly club Walsall is. We want the fans to be close with the players and I think it's great they get to go behind the scenes and see what goes on in the gym. Fans on a match day make a big difference so it's important for us as players we get a chance to meet them."
Fans Paul and Faye Gilbert took their sons Charles, seven, and Oliver, six, to watch the Saddlers train.
The family, from Walsall Wood, are season ticket holders and were at the Banks's Stadium on Saturday to see record signing Andreas Makris score his first Walsall goal with a stunning half-volley.
And Charles revealed that strike inspired him to net in similar fashion for his Cresswell Jaguars side on Sunday.
"He watched Makris score his goal on Saturday and managed to do the same himself on Sunday," said proud mum Faye.
"It was a half-volley from on the edge of the box so he wanted to go along to the opening training session so he could tell Makris all about it.
"We've been to a few of these over the years and it's great for the boys to able to meet and chat to the players."
Joe Clark, from Essington, took his son Jack, 11, to meet his idols.
"We have been to a few of the open training sessions now and they are always great days," Joe said.
"I try to book the day off work because Jack loves coming down and getting his shirt signed.
"There are six of us in the family who have season tickets. Walsall is a family club and I think it's really important they put on events like this."
Friends Kirsty Hudson and Joanne Spooner from Great Wyrley took their sons Joshua and Benjamin to meet their heroes.
"It's the access you get that makes these days so enjoyable,"Joanne said.
"Benjamin supports Walsall and Liverpool but you wouldn't get the chance to meet the Liverpool players like this."
Joanne added: It's an opportunity for the kids to meet their heroes.
"They are big Walsall fans and it's great memories for them."
