Football fan Prince William uses a secret different name to post his thoughts on Aston Villa Football Club forums online, shocking fans with his “vast knowledge” of the sport.

The future King arranged a casual meet-up through Aston Villa football club, and spent time discussing the team with supporters ahead of Villa’s fixture against Everton at a Birmingham pub last week.

Steve Jones, a Villa fan for 35 years, was asked to join the Prince at a Wetherspoons pub during his surprise visit. He told the Athletic – a sporting publication – that William “keeps abreast of Villa gossip because he is on all the fans’ forums.

“He goes under different names and he posts on there because that’s how he gets the feeling of what’s going on and what’s the opinion.”

Mr Jones added: “He admitted he would love to have more opinions on certain things within the game but he can’t in his role as president of the FA.”

William, who currently serves as chairman of the Football Association, has publicly discussed his love of football.

The prince is also regularly seen watching in England games at Wembley, sometimes accompanied by Prince George, and watching his favourite team play at Villa Park.

At the pub, William bought a round of beers for eight Villa fans and sipped a pint of Bulmers cider, staying for around half an hour before catching a train back to London.

Earlier at the Birmingham Conference and Events Centre Prince William was sent best wishes for his wife, Princess Kate, as he chatted to paramedics about issues including training, drones and hospital waiting times.

When he arrived at the Birmingham Conference and Events Centre and greeted his hosts, he said: “I’ll be watching the game and keeping an eye on what’s going on.”

Turning to his new role as Patron of the College of Paramedics he said: “I am so pleased to be standing here as the College of Paramedics’ new Patron and to have the opportunity to join your first ever Emergency and Critical Care conference.”

The Prince of Wales has always had a strong affiliation with emergency responders, having witnessed first-hand the unique challenges faced by the community through his roles as both an Air Ambulance and RAF Search and Rescue pilot.