Walsall FC offers fans chance of a lifetime to take over the role of Swifty the mascot

The man currently behind the Swifty outfit is retiring and the club is looking for someone to take over the reigns.

Doug Swain, better known as Dougie, is retiring after more than 20 years in the role due to needing an operation on his knee. The club has now posted a job advert online as it looks for someone to take the role.

The job will involve being in the popular bird suit between 1pm and 4pm on home matches on Saturdays and between 6pm and 9pm on Tuesdays for evening fixtures.

For those wondering if they have the qualities to take on the role, Walsall FC want the person to be 'enthusiastic and good at engaging with young fans'.

Steve Davies, the secretary of the Walsall Football Supporters' Trust, has already ruled himself out of taking up the suit, quipping: "I prefer to watch the football from my seat in the stands than facing the wrong way pitchside!"

Asked about Mr Swain and the role of Swifty, Mr Davies added: "Doug has been doing it for 20 plus years but he told me at the end of last season his knee was knackered and needed another operation so he couldn't do another season.

"He is one of the unsung, or unseen, heroes of the club. I bet fans could walk past him and have no idea who he is.

"Apparently there has been lots of interest in the role and lots of people on social media saying they are interested so lets see what happens."

Those interested in the role are asked to email daniel.clarke@walsallfc.co.uk