Downing pays tribute to Saddlers faithful on Open Training Day
AFTER another successful Open Training Day at the Banks’s, Vice-Captain, Paul Downing, has paid homage to the Walsall faithful.
The 23-year old defender took part in the public training session on Tuesday and was taken back by the response of the supporters.
“It’s a really enjoyable session,” smiled Downing. ”It’s a unique day for everybody.
“We don’t usually have supporters watching us and they don’t have chance to see our sessions so it’s really good.
“There’s more here than last year as well so that helps and the atmosphere has been great all day.
“The supporters are huge for us, when they make noise at home and we hear the songs they sing, it gives us the extra ten percent we need to go and win games.
“They’re a massive part of this club. They keep the club going and we can’t thank them for their support enough.
Having enjoyed a successful pre-season campaign, Downing is now focusing on Oldham Athletics’ visit to the Banks’s on Saturday for first game of the new league campaign.
“I’ve worked hard over the summer with the fitness programme,” he admitted. ”It’s been tough with the work we’ve done but we’re all going to benefit from it now going into the games.
“I’m looking forward to trying to play my part this season. It starts this weekend and we know it will be a tough game. Oldham gave us two good tests last year.
“It’s nice to start with a home game and hopefully we can start it the season with a win.”