Top that Walsall fans! Saddlers’ selfies voted best

But when the season is over, Walsall fans like to venture further afield - and wherever they go, so do their replica shirts.

To prove it, supporters took pictures of themselves on holiday in their Saddlers' strips in response to an online selfie competition run by the football club and its principal sponsor HomeServe Membership.

They were challenged to take selfies of themselves wearing the new 2017-18 home or away kits in creative locations.

Winner Howard Russell, aged 57, posted an image of himself outside the United States Capitol Building in Washington DC whilst other fans sent selfies from around Europe including the UK.

Fan Brian Adshead is pictured beside the bronze statue of Real Madrid star Christiano Ronaldo in the player's hometown of Funchal, Madeira - tweeted with the cheeky caption 'Found a new player for #Saddlers.'

Runner-up, 12-year-old Alfie Taylor, travelled no further than the Banks's Stadium where he snapped himself in front of the Celebrating 125 Years sign. Eight-year-old Callum Cutting was the second runner-up.

Their prize was to meet favourite players Luke Leahy and Erhun Oztumer, and get their hands on the new all-white third kit from the Saddlers’ technical kit supplier Errea at the club’s recent open training session.

Mr Russell, from Lichfield, said: “We had a fantastic day and it was brilliant to meet some of the players. The new kit looks brilliant and I’m really proud to be the first to get the chance to wear it. Seeing the players in action today really did whet my appetite for the new season.”

HomeServe Membership, which employs 1,700 people at its headquarters in Cable Drive, Walsall, and a further 1,500 around the UK, has supported the Saddlers since signing its first sponsorship deal in 2014. In May, the firm confirmed a new five-year sponsorship deal with the club which will run until the end of the 2021-22 season.

“The new third kit looks fantastic and we’re delighted to be able to give three fans the chance to get hold of it before anyone else,” said HomeServe Membership boss Greg Reed.

“It’s also great to be able to give them a genuinely ‘money can’t buy’ prize of meeting their favourite players.

"This just goes to show how strongly Walsall FC is rooted in its community. That’s a big part of why we’re proud of our association with the club. Our office is full of Saddlers fans who are all incredibly excited for the new season.”

The Saddlers' marketing manager Daniel Clarke said: "“It was great to launch our brand new third kit in front of our fans at our open training session. We’re delighted with how the kit looks - it’s a unique, limited edition third kit.” The shirts are on sale at the club shop at the Banks’s Stadium.