Walsall Football Club have today paid tribute to 22-year-old Saddlers supporter Jake Martin, who passed away just twenty-four hours before the club's Play-Off Semi Final First Leg clash with Barnsley.
Jake, a former Saddlers steward, succumbed to a short illness last Friday, the club went on to pay tribute via their official Facebook page; "The club are very sad to report the sudden death of 22 year old Saddlers fan Jake Martin who passed away after a short illness at the Manor Hospital Walsall in the early hours of Friday, 13th May 2016.
"Jake was an outgoing, very happy young man who worked as a steward at the Banks’s Stadium for a period five years ago. Jake attended college locally and worked at the Village Hotel on junction 10 of the M6.
"Jake attended home games regularly and he was looking forward to watching the Saddlers in the play-offs. The final game that Jake attended was the last league game at Vale Park 11 days ago. Jake will be sadly missed by all of his family and friends."
We would also like to pass on our sincere condolences to Jake's family and friends at this truly sad time.