Fans flock to Walsall open training as club release new third kit

Around 200 fans headed to the Banks’s Stadium this morning to watch the Saddlers being put through their paces ahead of their League One opener against Bury on Saturday.

As well as seeing the players take part in a number of training drills, fans also got to chat to their idols, pose for pictures and see them work out in the gym.

One of the players who took part was summer signing Nicky Devlin, who joined the club from Scottish outfit Ayr United in June.

And he believes it’s important the club’s new recruits got the chance to meet fans ahead of the new campaign.

“It was a really good day,” the defender said.

“It’s great for the new players in particular to interact with the fans because we haven’t had that chance yet.

“It’s really important we build that connection because the season is just a few days away and we are all in it together.

“The players, the manager, the fans, the staff behind the scenes, we all have to be on the same page.

"I think events like these benefit everybody."

Arguably the most popular player on the day was Walsall talisman Erhun Oztumer who was mobbed for pictures and autographs.

And the trickster, who netted 15 goals last season, admitted the open training session is a day he enjoys.

“There was a lot of people who turned up and it’s always nice to show them what we do on a daily basis,” the former Peterborough man said.

“It’s also great to be able to sign a few autographs and a few photos as well

“It was a good day. And now we just can’t wait for Saturday.

“That’s all we can talk about as players. The new season and Bury away.”

Alongside giving supporters the chance to meet the players as well as boss Jon Whitney, Walsall also used to the open training session as a chance to unveil their third kit for the new season.

The strip consists of a white shirt and shorts with a gold trim.