Walsall supporters got chance to rub shoulders with The Saddlers thanks to a leading regional building society which has handed over a special bonus payment to the club.
Striker Tyler Roberts and defender Shaun Donnellan visited the West Brom’s Walsall branch, on Bridge Street as Chief Executive Stefan Gamble received a donation of £11,180 on behalf of the club, generated by the Society’s Saddlers Super Saver affinity account.
The money will be invested in Walsall’s youth system to help nurture new talent at the club.
Customers, staff and Saddlers fans were invited to attend the presentation, meet the players and get pictures and autographs.
Gamble said: “The West Brom’s continued support is fantastic and we would like to express our thanks to them.
“It’s great to see a scheme that gives supporters such a unique opportunity to help the club. The money that has been donated by the West Brom will provide a massive boost to our youth academy which is so crucial to the club."
The money comes from the annual proceeds of the Saddlers Super Saver affinity account, the exclusive savings account which is only available to supporters of the club.
The account is assigned a rate of interest, part of which pays the saver a return on their investment, while the rest is used to calculate the club’s annual bonus payment.
It means account holders who are enjoying watching the club on the pitch are also providing a helping hand off it.
Lorraine Standring, Branch Manager of the West Brom in Walsall, said: “As a building society we are proud to make this donation and it was fantastic to welcome Tyler and Shaun to our branch.
“Fans and staff alike were chuffed to meet the players and they created a real sense of excitement during their visit.
“Affinity accounts are a real win-win for fans – while saving money for themselves they can help to generate additional funds for their club at the same time.
"The annual bonus payment to Walsall is based on the total amount saved across all accounts under the scheme, so the more fans put aside the more the club will ultimately receive.”