Walsall Fan 1SIDEJAY Features in Sky Sports+ Launch Campaign Walsall Fan 1SIDEJAY Features in Sky Sports+ Launch Campaign

Walsall Fan 1SIDEJAY Features in Sky Sports+ Launch Campaign

Sky Sports+ will broadcast games across the EFL including several featuring the super Saddlers.
A Walsall supporter has come together with 91 other passionate football fans from each club in the Premier League and EFL, including a few famous faces, to share their hopes for the 2024/25 season, as new research commissioned by Sky Sports reveals an overwhelming sense of optimism across the football community right in time for kick-off.

Sweeping the length and breadth of the nation from Arsenal to Walsall, the fans have all shared their hopes, pride and dreams for their club’s upcoming season, bought to life in a variety of ways and showcased across Sky’s social platforms.

Walsall are represented by 1SIDEJAY who has written a message of hope to capture the fanbase’s sentiment ahead of the new league campaign. The Sky Sports research suggests his hopes are shared by the majority of the fanbase, with 53% stating they’re feeling optimistic about the return of football.

Stars from the world of sport and entertainment feature alongside 1SIDEJAY and others including supporters from Newcastle United’s deaf community, and Justine Lorriman, the landlady at The Royal Dyche in Burnley.

Celebrity fan stories include die-hard West Ham supporter Danny Dyer recording a message of inspiration for new Hammers manager Julen Lopetegui, and cheekily requesting that ‘Jules’ build the team around future son-in-law Jarrod Bowen. Darts star and Stockport County fan Nathan Aspinall has stepped up to the oche to predict promotion for the Hatters.

Meanwhile, comedian Josh Widdicombe has created a video foreseeing that England legend Wayne Rooney will not only seal promotion for Plymouth Argyle but also become his new best friend and eventually holiday with him.

The campaign follows new research of over 5,000 fans of the 92 clubs which reveals an overwhelming sense of optimism across the leagues, with 65% of fans feeling hopeful going into the 2024/25 season – meaning Walsall supporters are less positive than the average fanbase.

Supporters of Accrington Stanley (88%), Wrexham (81%) and Stevenage (80%) are among the most positive about this season, feeling optimistic about a promotion push.

Sky Sports football analyst Jamie Carragher said: “The football pyramid is what makes the game so well loved and competitive in this country. I used to experience that love and tribalism up and down the country firsthand!

“At the heart of it, I’m a fan myself, so to see supporters come together with all their talents is fantastic. It really does show you what football means to so many, and I can’t wait for it to all kick off now.”
The research also shows the huge range of emotions football elicits for fans with excitement (40%), anticipation (37%) and happiness (30%) topping the list for followers of the Saddlers. The sport gives 27% of fans hope, with a further 23% stating it gives them a sense of community.

More than one in ten supporters (13%) believe football is the most important thing in their life – even when compared to their family members, work, or chances of romance. Perhaps that’s why 27% admit they’d skip a first date to watch their beloved football team.

As part of the campaign, Sky Sports has also produced a video telling the story of all 92 fans narrated by presenter and football personality, Chelcee Grimes, which is available to watch on YouTube, Instagram, X and TikTok.

Supporters will also be able to get a closer look at the creations from their respective clubs as each team’s fan story will be released on Sky Sports’ social media channels up to Wednesday 14th August.

With the EFL season kicking off this week, the soon-to-launch Sky Sports+ will bring more football to fans than ever before, with supporters across the leagues able to watch their club at least 20 times this season.

And once again, Sky Sports will be the home of the Premier League, with 128 games being broadcast live and exclusively throughout the season.

For instant, contract-free access to all Sky Sports channels, non-Sky subscribers can purchase a NOW Sports Day or Month Membership to unlock every live Sky Sports+ stream at no extra cost. Select catch-up content available on demand.
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