On Sunday, 22nd March over 29,000 Walsall supporters will make the journey to Wembley Stadium in the hope of cheering the ‘Super Saddlers’ on to victory in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final.
Among the loyal contingent will be PC Stuart Spencer from West Midlands Police’s Football Unit. While the club has had to endure 127-years to grace the Wembley pitch it has been a much shorter wait for the Walsall FC officer, who is looking forward to a trip to the home of football in his debut season with the club.
Speaking to west-midlands.police.uk, PC Spencer said; "I think most football fans you speak to will have dreamt of playing at Wembley, more than likely re-enacting scoring the winning goal in the park during their younger years. Then as you get a little older you dream of cheering your heroes on from the stands. And as an officer it really isn’t any different and I’ll be fulfilling a professional ambition as I travel down to London."
PC Spencer joined West Midlands Police at the turn of the Millennium and in more recent years worked as a ‘Spotter’ at Aston Villa FC for four seasons. But in November 2014 he transferred to become the League One club’s designated officer.
PC Spencer with fans"In just a short time I’ve really taken the club to my heart. It is also great to have the bragging rights over my colleagues who represent the other Midlands clubs and remind them I’m off to Wembley," joked PC Spencer.
"Without doubt the cup run has been the highlight of my time with the club so far. Those last 10 minutes at Deepdale when the two goals ultimately secured the passage to Wembley were amazing − as were the fans who braved the elements on a bitter and wet Lancashire night."
PC Spencer is actually a lifelong Coventry City fan − but admits that during his relative short time with the club he has developed a fondness for the Saddlers.
"I’m born and bred Coventry so the Sky Blues are in my blood. I was at Wembley when we won the FA Cup back in 1987 so I hope I can be a lucky charm for Walsall," said PC Spencer.
"When you spend so much time with a club and the fans, the passion and loyalty is contagious! There is a real tight knit community among the fans and I get to recognise the same familiar faces, especially at away games.
"The club and these fans have taken me to their heart - and it is reciprocated. My 9-year-old son even looks out for the Walsall scores on a Saturday afternoon now."
Like the players who will take to the famous pitch, PC Spencer is adamant he won’t be overwhelmed by the occasion, is insistent that the nerves aren’t creeping in to his preparations and is clear he won’t be adopting any new superstitions ahead of kick-off.
"Preparing for Wembley is similar to preparing for any game, but of course on a much larger scale with many more supporters travelling and coaches than for a normal away game.
"On the day my role will be the same as on any away match day. I will be hosted by officers from the Met and we will visit pubs and locations where the Walsall fans will be," commented PC Spencer.
While making his final preparations ahead of the game on Sunday 22 March PC Spencer had one final message for the fans to ensure it is a day to remember for the right reasons. He said: "It has been a privilege travelling away with the fans this season and I’m sure this will be the case at Wembley.
"The last thing I want to be doing when returning after the game is telling someone’s family that they have let themselves down in a moment of madness and will be returning home with a criminal record!
"I have experienced the atmosphere of seeing my club play at Wembley and it is the best feeling for a football fan. Not just the game itself but all the build-up razzmatazz that goes along with it making it a great atmosphere.
"I hope everyone who is making the journey has a great day and leaves with some memories to last a lifetime. I’ll have everything crossed for a Saddlers victory!"