Youngster delighted to be leading out The Saddlers on Sunday...
IT’S a dream come true for loyal Saddlers’ supporter, Ryan Freeman, after he was chosen at random by manager, Dean Smith, to lead the team out at Wembley on Sunday as mascot.All junior supporters who purchased a 2015/16 season ticket as part of our Early Bird offer before March 14th were entered into the draw to win this once-in-a-lifetime prize and the 14 year-old from Brownhills was the ‘chosen one’.
“I was absolutely amazed when the club called me to say that Ryan had won,” said proud father, Nigel, a lifelong fan and season ticket holder for many years. “We’ve never won anything in our life before, so this is just unbelievable.
“I was at work when I took the call from the club and I must say that work went out of the window for the afternoon; I just had to get home and tell Ryan!
“The family is Walsall FC through-and-through. I’ve been going to matches for as long as I can remember, following in the footsteps of my dad, John, who has also been a season ticket holder for years.
“To see Ryan leading the lads out at Wembley will make us so proud. We’ve already got lots of family and friends going to the game, so this will make it even more special for us.”
“It’s still not sunk in yet,” admitted Ryan. “Since I found out I had won I have been so excited. I can’t wait for Sunday; to lead the team out in front of so many fans will be great but also nerve-wracking.
“The atmosphere is going to be fantastic and I am proud to be the mascot.
“My dad started bringing me to matches from an early age. I would go to Saturday Club and then watch the match in the Family Stand.
“All of my friends are jealous and to go on the pitch at the Sheffield United game was another great experience for me.”
Ryan’s favourite player is leading scorer, Tom Bradshaw, who he hopes will be fit for the Final, whilst dad, Nigel, rates Alan Buckley as his star Saddlers’ man.
We congratulate Ryan and hope that he has a great day on Sunday. We also extend our congratulations to Neil Booker who won the Diamond Hospitality Package.