Simone Carter

Said the following about Ali Zakari:

“I believe Ali to be the perfect candidate for this award- he truly is my right hand man when it comes to all things football at the Hawthorns.

His understanding of his stations ever changing personality is remarkable- he keeps a tight ship at The Hawthorns for all of his customers and not just the football supporters- he is proud of his station and knows his station inside out, keeping it up to date and the minute the fans have been through both pre and post-match you would not know a deluge of beer swilling litter dropping supporters had just cascaded through as he is out there bin bags in hand making the station shine for the next customer to come through- ensuring his station is safe and clean for all.

Everything thanks to Ali is spot on when there is football to ensure nothing is missing or out of place to ensure a smooth passage of the thousands of fans that stampede through- down to post match information being on display in advance- toilet cleaned regularly, barriers out- security staff shown what they need to do- right down to Ali ensuring every mobility impaired supporter is boarded with no fuss.

Ali works tirelessly at The Hawthorns Station, ensure the station is tip top both before and after all football matches.

Ali really does go over and above to ensure everything is perfect, he ensures that poster boards are up where he writes post-match departure times on, so folks arriving can see easily what services they have home.

He ensures that all radios are charged ready for station security teams are ready.

As soon as the queues have gone even if Ali has done a 12 hour shift he's out clearing up and putting that station back together, not to mention fighting through the crowds to ensure wheelchair customers can board services.

I personally cannot praise Ali enough, you are more than welcome to attend the next WBA game to see this outstanding station colleague in action!!

Every station needs an Ali and I am so proud to have him on my team.“