Walsall back in action – but ask fans to steer clear
Walsall have issued a plea for supporters to stay away as they prepare to make a long-awaited return to the Banks’s Stadium.
The ground will host its first match since March this afternoon when the Saddlers host Burton in a pre-season friendly.
But fans will not be able to attend and fans have been reminded not to congregate outside the stadium and instead watch the action online.
In a message to supporters posted on social media yesterday, forward Wes McDonald said: “We can’t wait to get back playing at the Banks’s.
“It is going to be a bit weird without you guys there supporting us. But stay safe, remain at home and support from home.”
Club bosses have spent several weeks working to get the stadium ready for behind closed doors matches. Social distancing measures mean the visiting team will get changed in the new community hub centre.
Walsall hope to welcome supporters back in October if the government permits a partial reopening of stadiums.
The Saddlers would be able to house all of their 2,000 season ticket holders and are expected to provide more details of how socially distanced crowds will work in the coming days.
Speaking earlier this week, chairman Leigh Pomlett admitted the club are keen to reward those fans who bought tickets even when it was unclear when the team would be playing again.
He said: “It has been a long time since we have been able to watch our team play.
“We do care that people parted with their hard-earned cash and at the moment have not had much return for it. I fully appreciate that and we will make it up to them as best we can.”
