DIRECTOR Nigel Bond and Assistant Club Secretary Daniel Mole watched Saturday's game from a fans point-of-view as part of the club's commitment to enhancing the matchday experience here at the Banks's Stadium.

Nigel and Dan joined Supporters Trust Member, Ian Astbury, to find out just what it is like for a Saddlers supporters on matchday.

The pair met Ian, and a number of other Walsall fans, in The Saddlers Club at 2.15pm. After a pre-match pint and chat, they went to the Ticket Office to purchase their tickets at 2.50pm. After picking up their tickets and visiting the kiosks, they took up their seats in Block FL6 of the Floors-2-Go Stand Lower Tier.

At half-time, the trio visited the Bescot Bar before settling down for the second-half.

"It was a really worthwhile and enjoyable exercise," explained Dan. "At the last focus meeting, amongst many other topics, the matchday experience was something our supporters were keen to discuss.

"There were a number of suggestions which have since been implemented such as the new televisions and screen in the Stadium Suite. There were also a number of relatively small concerns that needed addressing. Since that meeting back in December, Nigel and I have been monitoring things such as queuing times and the availability of food and drink but we wanted to experience matchday as supporters.

"Ian was happy to oblige and it was good experience matchday from a fans point-of-view. We didn't experience any problems in getting our ticket so close to kick-off and the stewards were all very helpful in pointing us to the correct turnstile. We purposely asked each steward that we came across and they were all helpful. The same can be said for the turnstile operators.

"Before the game, the kiosks had a full range of hot food and drink but we did have to ask for certain drinks, such as Coke Zero, as they were not on display. They did have some in stock but you couldn't see them. We've reported this back to those concerned because, where possible, all stock should be on display. Rather than having stock at the back of the kiosk, it should be in full view of the customers, so that they can see what is on offer rather than having to ask. You could be forgiven for presuming that we had run out of certain food and drink if you can't see it in the fridges or on the hot plates.

"The vantage point of our seat was excellent. During the first half I checked on the toilets and there was an issue with running water. Two of the three taps didn't work properly and this has been reported to our Stadium Manager.

"Before half-time I enquired as to what pies were available and, at 3.34pm, one kiosk had run out of steak and kidney pies. This shouldn't be the case. I think that, after half-time, it is understandable that there is not a full selection. However, before then, we shouldn't be running out.

"At half-time we popped into the Bescot Bar and there was a good atmosphere about the place. Supporters were mingling and, despite it being very busy, were all being served quickly. Everybody that wanted a drink got one, which was good to see.

"The kiosks shut 12 minutes into the second-half, which we all felt was too early. This is something else we will look at.

"After the game we all went our separate ways. It took eight minutes to get off the car park and a further 12 minutes to make it back on to the Birmingham Road, which we felt was pretty reasonable, especially as we stayed until the final whistle.

"Overall, we learned a lot from the exercise. There are things that need immediate attention and there are things that we need to enhance. We learned a lot from the point-of-view of the most important people - the fans. Thanks to Ian and every other supporter we met for making it such an enjoyable afternoon.

"This is the first time Nigel and I have watched the game in this manner but it won't be the last."

Another Fans Focus Meeting will take place in the Swifts Lounge at the Banks's Stadium on Monday, 15th February 2010 at 6.00pm. Nigel and Dan will be joined by Club Secretary Roy Whalley.