SPOTLIGHT ON : WALSALL FC SUPPORTER - EMMA RICHARDSON

Each home game, we shine a spotlight on a female fan from the visiting team, giving them a chance to share their story and love for the game.

This week, we spoke to Emma Richardson – a proud Walsall FC supporter. Emma is a lifelong Walsall fan, who attends home and away games, with her son Liam, her brother and friends. Ahead of her visit to Boundary Park. Here's what she had to say about football, fandom, and sharing her favourite memories.

🔵 Name:

Emma Richardson

🟠 Club:

Walsall FC

📍 Hometown:

Walsall

🗣️ Q&A

1. Tell us an interesting or unusual fact about your hometown or city.

There is a large glacial boulder in the Arboretum (recreation park in the centre of Walsall) from the great ice age. It is known as 'The Devil's Toe Nail'.


2. What got you into football – and do you remember your first match?

My first match that I can remember was Chesterfield at home, which was a 1-1 draw (20th February 1999). I did go to Fellows Park when I was a lot younger to see a couple of matches and I went to Filbert Street and Victoria Park (Stoke) too! I wasn't really into football that much when I was younger! I used to spend time with my nan on a Saturday while my mum, dad and brother attended the matches. When my nan passed away I joined them and I have had the bug ever since! 


3. Why did you choose to support your club?

My family are all Walsall fans so Walsall FC is in the blood. We all go to home and away games together (my dad, brother and son). We all hail from Walsall so it's our local club. We have been season ticket holders for over 25 years.

“Wembley in last seasons playoffs“

4. Who was your footballing hero growing up?

I wouldn't say that I had a footballing hero. My favourite Walsall player was Dean Keates. He was a feisty, midfield dynamo.

5. What’s your favourite football memory?

There are a couple, beating Oldham 3-1 (sorry!) and getting promotion against the odds, finishing above Man. City and beating Reading 3-2 at the Millennium Stadium in the play off final.


6. Do you travel to away games often? What’s been your favourite ground to visit.

Yes, I travel to every away game. I enjoy the banter on the coach going to the away matches and catching up with other Walsall fans. I have made some good friendships following Walsall FC over the years. My favourite ground is Huddersfield Town. I like the design of the ground and I have always found the fans and staff to be really friendly.

“Barnet away, with my son Liam“

7. What’s the best chant or song your fans sing?

Take me home Wednesbury Road.

8. Have you noticed attitudes toward female fans or the women’s game changing?

I think attitudes have changed towards the womens game especially since the success of the Lionesses. There are more opportunities for women to become involved in the sport and a lot more womens teams are being formed, which is a big step forward. Television has also raised the profile of the womens game and has allowed it to reach a wider and global audience, which has increased its popularity, too. 

I think more females attend matches within the men's game compared to when I first started going but there is still a long way to go with attitudes to female fans within the men's game. I think there needs to be more inclusitivity.

I also think more clubs should provide sensory packs or sensory rooms for fans with additional needs. I know that Oldham were the first club to launch sensory packs, which is a fantastic initiative to make football more inclusive.

9. Matchday traditions - any lucky charms on rituals?

No not really.

10. If your club were a film or song, what would it be and why?

The One and Only - Chesney Hawkes (say no more)

11. How are Walsall doing this season?

At time of writing so far so good, especially with what is basically a new team after the disappointment of last season. 

12. Any particular player for us to watch out for?

Kanu and Okeke. Both are energetic, pacey and are a threat to any opposition defence.

13. Score prediction for our match this evening?

1-1. I think it will be a close game. 

14. Where do you think you will finish in the league?

Hopefully in the top three. January is going to be crucial. Hopefully we can add more depth to the squad and are able to keep our loan signings.

“Stevenage away with Friends & Family”

⚡️Quick Fire Round

🏟️Favourite stadium (besides your own):

Huddersfield

🥧Top match day snack?

Half time chocolate bar.

🚌Home or Away days?

Away as there is a better atmosphere.

📺VAR - yes or no?

No as it takes too long to come to a decision!

👕Dream player to sign for your club?

Harry Kane for his goal scoring ability.

💬 Final thoughts?

It will be a tough game tonight as Oldham away has always been hard fought between two teams with good defensive records. Currently, we have been in decent form and have a good blend of youth and experience with the likes of Aden Flint who has been brilliant so far and Albert Adomah. I am glad that Oldham Athletic are back in the EFL, they are a club with a strong community and a loyal fanbase. I just hope that it's a good game and everyone gets home safe. Good luck for the rest of the season!

Thanks to Emma for being a part of our blog, it is a really good read. Enjoy your evening at Boundary Park.

Look out for more fan voices every matchday as part of our Her Game Too Series.