Bescot fans earn praise
Walsall chief executive Roy Whalley today praised the loyalty of Saddlers fans and said the club were happy with Bescot attendances despite a drop of more than 500 from last season.
Whalley said Saddlers hoped to push the average home gate back above 5,000 with the help of a winning team and matchday entertainment after the lowest crowd of the season so far watched Richard Money's side beat Peterborough 5-0 on Tuesday.
Only 4,070 watched the midweek goalfest despite Saddlers' 100 per cent record at home and the average crowd this season had dropped to 4,808 compared with 5,394 in League One last season.
But Whalley has insisted the drop-off in attendances is no worse than officials expected.
"We are obviously finding that the gates are lower because we're in a lower division," he said. "There was a lot of disappointment at the end of last season and in that context we are pleased with the way the supporters have responded.
"The season ticket sales stood up very well to the relegation, but we accept that some fans are hanging back to see how the team goes and what kind of football the play.
"With more performances like the one we saw against Peterborough on Tuesday night I think they will be persuaded back, but we've been quite pleased with the initial attendances."
Popular stories:
Video journalist unveils blog
Video: Sat nav thief nabbed
Speedway: Latest on Pedersen
Your daily horoscope
Restaurant reviews
