Walsall players make donation to supporters trust

All members of Dean Keates' squad donated a cash sum to the Walsall Supporters Trust last week that was collected by the group's secretary, Steve Davies.

The trust exists to forge closer links between fans and the club. It also raises funds to support local, good causes.

Manager Keates, a former Saddlers player, worked closely with supporter groups during his time in charge of fan-owned Wrexham.

And he is keen to ensure Walsall do more work to support the local community.

"The work the supporters trust is doing is great," Keates said.

"I've known Steve over the years and what I want is for this football club to be united.

"For me now the club is starting to come together. And I think this shows the players have completely bought into what I want to do with the football club.

"It’s about getting the club back out in the community, I want it to get that feel-good factor back, I want it to be like it was when I was a player here.

"Players, fans, everybody – we are all in this together. So I spoke to Steve because this is one way we can show we are part of it and we want to be part of it.

"All the lads have made a donation. They have all thrown in a little bit each to show they want to be part of the Walsall Supporters Trust."

Mr Davies admitted he was delighted to see the players support the trust.

"I had a chat with Dean about the trust and he mentioned that when he was in charge of Wrexham, he asked all the players to join their trust," he said.

"He said he wanted to do the same here and the gaffer is a man true to his word so I've collected the money from the players.

"To join the trust it's £2 but all the players have donated more than that which is fantastic.

"It's great to know the players and the manager are singing off the same hymn sheet as the fans.

"The ethos of the trust is to develop closer links between the fans, the football club and the community.

"And this is a great step forward for us. It gives us a real sense of belonging."