Saddlers on (Bus) Tour

As reported in the Express and Star
The Saddlers will celebrate their historic victory with an open top bus tour followed by a glittering civic reception.

Thousands of fans are expected to line the streets tomorrow to applaud their heroes as the bus makes its way from Bescot to the council headquarters in the town centre where the silverware will be presented.

The momentous occasion will see roads around the stadium transformed into a sea of red as families and diehard fans alike turn out to mark their team`s triumph as champions of League Two.

The bus will leave Bescot at 6.30pm and travel to the council house along Bescot Crescent, Broadway, Birmingham Road, Ablewell Street, Lower Rushall Street and into Lichfield Street.

A section of Lichfield Street will be closed to traffic shortly before it arrives to allow fans to gather in front of the building ready to welcome their idols.

Walsall mayor Councillor Barbara McCracken will present medals and the League Two trophy to members of the history-making team at the ceremony outside the headquarters.

The team and officials are set arrive at around 6.50pm. Soon afterwards, Saddlers chief executive Roy Whalley will introduce the players in turn to each receive a Football League medal from the mayor before lifting the Championship trophy.

Club and playing staff will then join councillors and invited guests for a civic reception to mark the club`s glorious promotion back to Coca-Cola League One following Saturday`s 1-1 draw against Swindon.

The mayor said today the victory was a huge boost to civic pride.

"Tomorrow will be a real red letter day for both club and borough," she said.

"The club`s outstanding success on the pitch this season makes many Walsall people happy, myself included, and provides everyone with a real boost of pride in our borough."

Walsall North MP David Winnick cannot make tomorrow`s celebrations because of a debate in the House of Commons but said he was delighted for everyone in the town.

He said: "This is a marvellous day for the borough. The team has had its ups and downs but this is great news. They thoroughly deserve this accolade."

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