Walsall FC players spread Christmas cheer to patients and staff at the Manor Hospital – with manager Mat Sadler declaring the visit an “honour and a privilege”.

The Saddlers squad proved they are top of the league for bringing smiles to patients as well as topping League Two after arriving armed with presents to hand out to poorly children.

Players visited the Children’s Ward, Neonatal Unit, Wards 9, 10, 11 and 12 and Discharge Lounge on their visit, organised by Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s charity Well Wishers.

“We look forward to these visits and it’s an honour and a privilege for us to bring some cheer to patients and staff here,” said Mat.

“It’s one of the proudest parts of the job and the players really enjoy it, and if we help pass the time a bit quicker for the patients then it’s great.”

Theresa Danks, Clinical Support Worker and a Saddlers season ticket holder, is such a fanatic that she asks to stay off the rota on Saturdays.

“It’s amazing and brilliant that they have come in,” said Theresa, who works on Ward 11 and had her photo taken with the players.

“All my family are season ticket holders, from three years old to 51. Walsall are definitely getting promoted!”

For patient Sheila Parsons, recovering from a broken hip, the visit reminded her of ex-Saddlers striker and assistant manager Richard O’Kelly, who she and his sisters went on holiday to Margate with decades ago.

“It’s wonderful to see the players and for them taking the time to chat with us. They were really friendly,” said Sheila, from Great Barr.

Rachel Dawson, Discharge Lounge Manager, brought son Charley, 12, wearing his Walsall shirt in to see the players and got their autographs and photos.

Walsall defender Rico Browne said: “This is the first time I’ve been on one of these visits and it was good to see people on their different journeys.”

Reet Basra, six, couldn’t wait to play Hungry Hippos, Connect 4 and Jenga with the players – including Walsall winger Albert Adomah, who was just as competitive!

“I’ve had to show them all how to play,” she said.

Mohammed Malik enjoyed a game of table football with Douglas James-Taylor before going for appendix surgery this afternoon.

The nine year old beat the Walsall striker and said: “He needs to do better.” And Douglas added: “That’s what Mat Sadler tells us!”

On the Neonatal Unit, Bobby and Narinder Khatkar were thrilled at the players’ visit.

Their son – who they are calling Baby K while they decide on a name – was born on 17 December weighing 5 pounds 9 ounces and was low on oxygen. But he’s doing well now.

“The players were very friendly and interested in our baby,” said Narinder. “It’s good of them to visit.”

Georgie Westley, Well Wishers’ Fundraising Manager, said: “It’s been wonderful and we are so grateful to the team for bringing a smile to our patients.

“Their visit brings joy to staff, patients, families and visitors.”