4-3-1-2 Walsall FC

With regret

2004-11-14T11:50:00.000Z

I am no longer posting on this site until the racist, thuggish, moronic and downright stupid so-called Walsall fans are dealt with by the club or by other fans.

I went to Slough yesterday - the smaller clubs in the FA Cup are what football is all about and Slough's players and fans should have been allowed to thoroughly enjoy their day in the limielight (as we ourselves have done in the past).

What did Slough's players and fans get? Well, their right back got racially abused by a section of our burberry-wearing spotty faced 17 year olds and their fans got soup thrown at them and were confronted by our same so-called supporters once they scored their second goal. The same section of our 'fans' then left the ground looking for trouble but, fortunately, were left disappointed as many of the Slough fans were still in the ground or were too jovial to even notice.

It makes me sick. Why should I put my name alongside a club with a minority of racist idiots who make attending games a chore rather than an enjoyable day out.

A belated update...

2004-11-04T14:08:00.000Z

Apologies for the lack of updates over the past few days but things have been rather hectic at work and so I simply haven't had the time to post.

Looking back at the last week or so, we were obviously very subdued against MK Dons and our away form has now moved from being a slight worry to a genuine concern. We should be beating teams like MK Dons simply and efficiently and after 15 minutes I thought we were well on our way to three points. However, when teams, such as MK Dons, nullify Merson by man-marking him then we are devoid of ideas, devoid of creativity and thus devoid of any points. What we need from the manager is a new Plan B, perhaps another 'in the hole' kind of player (where's Corica when you need him) or perhaps the ability to change it to a 4-4-2 or, more realistically with the players at our disposal, to a 3-5-2. What we don't need is the seemingly current Plan B of putting your hands on your hips, waving your arms in the air and shrugging your shoulders.

I'm not starting to have a pop at Merson again - the optimistic amongst us will point to the fact that we've suffered only 1 defeat in 6 (those who see the glass as half-empty will alter that fact to 1 win in 6!) - and there's no doubt that things have been better of late. What I want from the Magic Man is to show signs of being able to change things around when it's not all going our way and the ability to perform a bit of wheeling and dealing in order to smarten up our current playing squad. Last Saturday only 2 Merson signings were on display and 1 of those (Joe Murphy) is due back down the M5 in a couple of months which begs the following questions.

Why did we waste part of our valuable budget on players like Jon Bewers and Joe Broad?
Why is our squad so top-heavy in terms of central midfielders?
Are we having to make-do with the likes of the D.Taylor and Leroy Williams simply because our squad is not good enough. These players should be out on loan to League 2 or the Conference in a bid to gain valuable experience.
Why not ship out some of the dead wood (Bewers, Kris Taylor, Broad and some of the youngsters) who are about as close to a first team place as I am to my ex-girlfriend?

Another point for our glass is half full and half empty brigade is this fact that Merson has 6 goal assists this season which is as many as any other player in this division. (He is tied with Hartlepool's Adam Boyd at the top of the League One Assists table) You could either be very optimistic about this and silence doubters who question Merson's performances this season or you could use it to further strengthen claims that if Merson is man-marked - or playing poorly - then we have little or no chance of getting a result. Either way, its a fairly impressive statistic and Jorge Leitao is also included in the Top 10 with a very respectable 4 assists so far this term.

I didn't make the trip to Cheltenham on Tuesday night for the LDV Round 2 game but reports I have read and heard were very similar to the majority of our away performances this season. Bright in patches and with the ability to play good football and create chances but for the majority we were sluggish, narrow and well below-par. Cheltenham were apparently the better team and seeing as they are situated in the bottom-half of League Two then this is disappointing.

However, successful spot-kicks from Merson, Williams, Standing and Wrack (his first successful penalty for a good while) saw us home 4-3 on penalties following a initial 2-2 draw with our hosts. Jorge Leitao scored two goals which hopefully will boost his confidence in front of goal and Joe Murphy made many good saves including two saves in the shoot-out. Let's hope the new WBA manager doesn't rate the Irishman and lets us hang on to him for a good while yet. Other than that, the only plus point was that we are through to the next round and now only three rounds away from a return trip to the Millennium Stadium. The draw is on Soccer AM between 9.30am-9.45am this Saturday. As things stand, I think I would settle for a mid-table finish and success in the LDV.

Turning our attentions to the FA Cup, we were handed an away tie at Slough FC in the first round of the "world's greatest cup competition". Tickets for this game (to be played at 2pm on Saturday 13 November the Windson & Eton's Stag Meadown ground) are on sale on Monday with OAP's and blanket-wearing Saddlers everywhere, no doubt queing overnight to get their hands on one of the 45 seated tickets in a stand reminiscent of that seen at Walsall Wood. Alan Hansen should have a field day later that night as our game is scheduled to be one of those featured on FA Cup Match of the Day. God help our defence.

Other than that, we have a worrying trip to Hull City this Saturday to look forward to and it would be typical of the Saddlers to return home with a 2-0 victory. Osborn, Wright and Fryatt are all set to make a return to the squad.

Four years ago this very day we beat Reading 2-1 at Bescot Stadium to return to the summit of (what was then) Division Two. How we would love a position like that now.

Oh, and Ashley Cole has been romantically linked with Cheryl Tweedy. Git.

Wanted: An Away Win

2004-10-29T16:15:00.000+01:00

We travel to Milton Keynes Dons tomorrow afternoon still searching the elusive first away win of the season. Despite our previous away record, recent performances mean that I am confident of Merson's men returning back up the M1 at 5.00pm tomorrow night complete with all three points. There's a hilarious 'p*ss take' site for MK Dons here.

Jorge Leitao is fit and ready for action whilst Merson is contemplating employing Daryl Taylor as a central striker but only from the bench. Daryl impressed as a forward in the reserve game with Stoke on Wednesday and, with Merse already desperately searching for a pacy front man, Taylor may get his chance sooner rather than later in a more central role. Kinsella and McKinney will be our only absentees whilst Saddlers target Mark Williams will return for MK Dons after a two game absence.

Aside from tomorrows game, Merson has praised new First Team Coach Frank Barlow and ex-Saddlers favourite Pedro Matias has joined Bristol Rovers on a non contract basis.

Friday Babes and Games

2004-10-29T15:43:00.000+01:00

Anyone watch the National TV Awards earlier in the week? I turned over from the Millwall v Liverpool game briefly but only to check out Hollyoaks girls Jodi Albert and Gemma Atkinson and was pleasantly suprised by Suranne Jones who won Breast (sorry, Best) Actress

After his Play Off Final goal, I suppose ex-Saddler Darren Byfield deserves a girlfriend as gorgeous as this - she's called Jamelia and is apparently the brightest young thing in RnB at the moment. I won't begrudge Daz a beautfiul girl on his arm but he's still no good at football though having been flagged offside more times (33) than any other Football League player.

Anyone fancy being sandwiched between Rachel Stevens and Emma Bunton?

Finally, two seasonal Hallowe'en games - a pumpkin maker and a Britney strip game. Don't forget to leave your sound on for the full effect! (unless you're at work).

Shout out!

2004-10-29T09:40:00.000+01:00

I've added a new feature to the site today in the form of a Shout Out box! It's a really simple way of quickly commenting on anything and everything to do with this site. It's on the right hand side of the page and should make interaction really easy.

The message board is taking a rest!

Gino Padula

2004-10-28T13:44:00.000+01:00

A manager who is always worth listening to is QPR's Ian Holloway who had this to say about our very own Gino Padula. Classic stuff.

'Everyone calls him a gypsy but I can assure you he doesn't live in a caravan. He has a house with foundations'.

For the bored amongst you, there is an interesting article here on Premiership admission prices, a heart-warming tale of a father taking his son to watch his first football match and the same chaps tale of an Altrincham FA Cup Third Qualifying Round game. Quite amusing.

Super Jimmy Walker

2004-10-28T10:17:00.000+01:00

Ex-Saddler Jimmy Walker made only his third start for West Ham last night but produced the world class performance which we all know he is capable of, making four or five top saves and saving a Frank Lampard penalty during their 1-0 defeat at Chelsea.

The West Ham fans are already in raptures about him and let's hope this is the start of a run in the first team. In my opinion, he definitely deserves it.

Elsewhere, Bristol City fans are rightly upset about their treatment by West Midlands Police at the Bescot on Saturday and had a number of fans arrested simply for smelling of alcohol. This led to families being split up, children walking around Walsall on their own and decent people being caged for simply having a couple of pints. I'd support these fans to the hilt and hope that it all turns out ok for them.

Ever wondered what happened to ex Baggie front-man Andy Hunt? Well, he married some gorgeous TV Presenter and then set up a holiday home in the Carribean.

Quick Midweek Update

2004-10-27T19:29:00.000+01:00

We have announced that we have taken former Manchester United and Ireland Under 19 International Danny Byrne on trial and he made his Saddlers bow for the reserves this afternoon. Byrne failed to make the breakthrough at Manchester United and was subsequently released by them earlier in the year. He has also had short spells with Reading and Hartlepool but unfortunately failed to make the grade. Byrne can play wide right or in the centre of midfield. He also looks a bit like that Tabby character from ITV's the X Factor.

Jorge Leitao should be fit for this weekends trip to MK Dons but fellow casualty Mark Kinsella is still struggling with a calf injury. If fit, Leitao is expected to be named amongst the substitutes following Gary Birch's impressive contribution last weekend.

Michael Standing has said that we will continue to improve whilst gaffer Merse has asked his side for a ruthless streak and backed goalkeeper Joe Murphy following his last gasp mistake against Bristol City. Merse also insisted that "the goals will come".

We are officially the 'unluckiest team in League One' having hit the woodwork on eight occasions so far this season.

Our reserves suffered their third straight defeat as they went down 1-0 against Stoke City.

Cheryl Tweedy is now my favourite member of Girls Aloud.

But we must never forget the other four (Although perhaps we could rule out the ginger one who has had a dramatic transformation into a brunette - probably so that people running websites do not refer to her as "the ginger one" - Never mind love)

I'll be watching a lot more of Blue Peter. Here's their new presenter who starts on December 23rd.

There appears to be a great shortage of glamorous babes in Stoke if this is the best looking girl they can find to 'glamourise' their half time draw. But then we knew already that Stoke was devoid of anyone good-looking.

Nottingham Forest have had their mascot stolen.

Walsall 1-2 Bristol City

2004-10-24T23:56:00.000+01:00

We witnessed, in my opinion and from what I've witnessed so far, probably the two best teams in the division at the Bescot yesterday afternoon but it was the away side who snuck away with three very valuable points despite another fine passing performance from the Saddlers.

In terrible conditions for football, we were treated to an entertaining game between two very good sides. The only difference came in the form of Leroy Lita who scored two goals which cancelled out Matty Fryatt's 49th minute penalty. City's player manager, Brian Tinnion, was quick to spot our apparent lack of width and once the visitors switched to 4-4-2 the game was always slipping from our grasp as our formation simply couldn't cope with Scott Murray out wide.

Nonetheless, despite defeat, there were still many positives we could take from the game. We created five or six really good opportunities, passed the ball well and for an hour so looked very assured in defence. There were more excellent displays from Wrack, Emblen and Bennett whilst Osborn (despite his annoying criticism), Standing and Birch also played well. It was, on the whole, still a good performance and I still think we'll move up the league in recent weeks and climb into the Top 10. A first away win next weekend at MK Dons is a must.

On the negative side, we are still a 'Leroy Lita' away from being genuine promotion contenders (which may be beyond our reach seeing as we are nearer 24th than we are to 6th). Fryatt, for all his plaudits, still lacks pace and a decent first touch and seems to take an age to shoot. He is still yet to convince me that he has what it takes to be a 20 goal a season man. Merson was well marshalled by Tommy Docherty (Bristol City captain) and this caused us a few problems as the Magic Man is always behind some of our more positive moves. Saying that, it does create space for Wrack and Standing and Merson still had two or three excellent attempts on goal.

All in all, an excellent game between two passing sides. I expect Bristol City to be there or there abouts come May and if we have a good five or six games between now and Christmas (MK Dons, Peterborough, Stockport and Blackpool are all very 'winnable') then perhaps we might still be in with a shout after all.

On the negative

Robins Preview

2004-10-22T17:12:00.000+01:00

Tomorrow sees Bristol City visit the Bescot Stadium in what promises to be another tough game for the resurgent Saddlers. Merson has been thanking Jeff Bonser for the turn around in fortunes whilst First Team Coach Frank Barlow is well aware of the threat that the Robins will possess tomorrow despite their indifferent start to the season. There is also a nice piece from Paul Merson about Adrian Mutu and from Jeff Bonser regarding the Let's Kick Racism out of Football campaign.

Mark Kinsella is definitely out of tomorrow's game and Jorge Leitao is currently rated at 50/50 which may leave us with only three fit forwards following Taiwo Atieno's loan move to Rochdale. Jamie Smith is the only absentee for the Robins.

I'm optimistic about getting 3 points tomorrow but, with 80mph winds expected around the Bescot, let's just hope that the Saddlers continue with their excellent passing displays of late.

Away from football, did Carol Vorderman really choose these letters on a recent Countdown...

...and who exactly is the best looking girl in Emmerdale? Sammy (blonde) or Verity (brunette)?

Luton fans are a comical, yet fickle, bunch.

Some celebratory girls...

2004-10-20T18:40:00.000+01:00

Fresh from three more points and renewed optimism around the Bescot today, here are a few girls and news stories to keep that smile on our faces a little longer.

Lads Mag Zoo Weekly are currently looking for the hottest football fan in Britain. So far, in my opinion, Maria from Derby is right at the top of the leaderboard.

This week's Madrid Masters tennis tournament (in which Henman is top seed) has come up with an unusual, yet brilliant, idea to get some attention as it has employed 19-27 year old models as it's ball girls. What a great idea - I hope the organisers of Wimbledon are taking note..

If you're stuck for a DVD to rent this week and want to impress the girlfriend then may I suggest 'Mean Girls'. It's quite a chick-flick and the story isn't up to much but you get to gaze at the luscious Lindsay Lohan for 97 wonderful minutes.

If I'm still delirious come Thursday then I'll treat you all to some more...

Top of the league? You're having a laugh!

2004-10-20T18:20:00.000+01:00

A wonderful display last night saw us totally out-pass the runaway leaders, Luton Town, as we stormed to a comfortable 2-0 victory. After the recent improved displays, last night was everything that we could have hoped for. Three points, two goals, a clean sheet and an excellent showing from a team that is unrecognisable from that of a month ago.

Quite simply, some of our one and two touch football was breathtaking at times. Wrack, Osborn, Merson and, to a lesser extent, Standing (who replaced Kinsella) were all on the top of their game and some of our passing moves were a joy to watch. The 4-3-1-2 formation looked anything but narrow as full-backs Wright and Aranalde got forward time and time again and the central defenders look calm and assured, surely boosted by the presence of Joe Murphy behind them. Gary Birch came in for a tired Fryatt and gave a hardworking performance, providing an excellent pass which led to the first goal and Leitao tried his heart out alongside him but, once again, the final ball or final finish seemed to elude him.

We are heavily reliant on Merson keeping up this kind of form for the next 32 games but from what I've seen in the last two home games I am very optimistic that we can push for a Top 6 finish. Recently, we have been the best team in this league by a country mile (maybe Merson's seemingly bizarre comments back in August about us being far and away the best team in the division were correct after all) and we have held our own against a decent passing team in Colchester and a more robust, physical - at times even dirty - side in Luton. Surely there is no better passing team and surely there is no better player in this division than an inspired Merson.

After the game, Merson was pleased to get back on the scoresheet after a year long wait for a goal but he urged fans and players alike not to get carried away with the performances just yet as there is still a lot of work to be done. (Who'd have thought it! He sounds more like a manager every day)

When the ball hits the goal, it's not Shearer or Cole, it's Zamora....

2004-10-19T13:25:00.000+01:00

Rumours are afoot that we are lining up a bid to bring in West Ham's Bobby Zamora on loan to the Bescot in a bid to revive the front man's flagging career. Zamora's dream move from Brighton to Tottenham saw him score on his debut but then do very little else and he was eventually shipped out to West Ham as part of the deal which saw Jermaine Defoe move the other way. Zamora has always been prolific at this level and Merson has said that he is desperate to bring in a forward but I feel that someone of Zamora's 'quality' (although Hammers fans may disagree with me) is perhaps just beyond our financial reach.

We'll wait and see. Personally, I think there's more chance of me waking up tomorrow next to Felicity Kendal (ask your parents) than there is of seeing Zamora in a Walsall shirt...

Luton down the Bescot tonight. I'll try and post some team news or thoughts a little later.

All good things come in three's

2004-10-18T19:07:00.000+01:00

Just a quick update on all things Walsall:

Merson has played down his role in the Saddlers' recent good performances stating that "he is only as good as the players around him."

It looks likely that Jorge and Matty Fryatt will start up front tomorrow night despite six games without a goal from our front two. Merson is pleased with their overall performances which means that Gary Birch is likely to be amongst the substitutes again.

There is an excellent, and very complimentary, match report taken from a North Wales newspaper who were very impressed with Merson and the team as a whole.

Sky One's Dream Team returned to our screens yesterday. Fictional Harchester United kicked off their season with a 1-0 reversal away to Brighton.

All good things come in three's. Check out these triplets!

Breasts or Football? Now you don't have to decide as this female West Ham fan (who's not exactly gorgeous but hey) is taking off an item of clothing every time the Hammers win a game. Not a lot has been removed just yet but it's worth keeping an eye on and will give Jimmy Walker and co a chance to see a few cups for a change! (Not for Under 18s)

The FA Cup has reached the Fourth Qualifying Round. View the draw.

Wrexham Reflection

2004-10-17T21:12:00.000+01:00

As I said yesterday, I didn't make the trip to Wrexham but have very much enjoyed the reports I have heard from the press, manager and fellow supporters alike. In the second half, we were apparently magnificent, some of our football was a delight to watch and had we had a decent striker on the field then we would have won the game comfortably.

Another good performance then yet we still await our first away victory of the season. However, I have no doubt that we are a goalscorer away from a Top 10 finish (maybe higher but if we focus upon the Top 10 then the division is so tight that we might sneak into the play-offs) and if we continue to play the same kind of football that has been evident in the last two games then we will at least have an entertaining season to look forward to. Brighton only won 5 away games last season and got promoted so I feel that we definitely have the capability to win 5 or 6 away from home - as long as our home form remains fairly solid then we can have a good season. Keep the faith!

As far as this site goes, I'm still fairly content with the amount of viewings we recieve but I'm still itching to know if you like what you see! Do you want more pics of women? If so, who? Do you want more information on football as a whole rather than just Walsall related chat? What else would you like to see? Please comment on this site by clicking comments below (it only takes a tick and would be much appreciated)

Wrexham 1-1 Walsall

2004-10-16T17:03:00.000+01:00

With our away form of late, a 1-1 draw at a Wrexham side who have only been beaten once on their own turf is perhaps a decent result. I was unable to make the trip to Wrexham but, from the commentary on the radio, we played really well but our two forwards Fryatt and Leitao seemed to let the side down a little and wasted the excellent opportunities created by our creative passing game.

As you all now know, we appointed Frank Barlow as our First Team Coach and Frank will start his duties on Monday morning ahead of our game with runaway leaders Luton Town (who were beaten today) on Tuesday night. I'm sure Mr Barlow wasn't the name we would have all chosen but he's a 58 year old experienced coach who has managerial experience with Chesterfield and Scunthorpe and more recently been Danny Wilson's assistant at Sheffield Wednesday and Bristol City and might be just the kind of 'older head' we have been looking for.

Merson has also said that a few reserve team players can go out on loan to gain some first team experience.

That's all for now. A more detailed report tomorrow.

Thursday News and Girls

2004-10-14T16:48:00.000+01:00

England, Lucy and Michelle

2004-10-13T21:40:00.000+01:00

I'm writing this a couple of hours following England's sneaky win in Azerbaijan. A game, and an international week, that has frankly bored me to tears. Two games, three goals and six points is job done I agree but a total entertainment value of nil, a captain with more talent than sense and yet more evidence of moronic, beer swelling, burberry clad English supporters makes it no surprise that when Owen scored last night I didn't jump in excitement, there wasn't even a flicker. I simply continued to watch. The only slight comfort to come out of these internationals is a bit of support for Michael Owen who I believe has taken in some very underserved criticism of late. Okay, he's lost a yard of pace but the boy's a goalscorer. Always has been, always will be.

International weeks are even effecting Walsall matches now with our stupid 1pm kick offs and why is that middle aged men cannot keep their stupid, big mouths shut for an entire 60 seconds whilst remembering Ken Bigley (even though I am not sure whether a football match at Old Trafford (not entirely fond of Scousers) was the time or the place for it to be held) nor cannot stop themselves booing when listening to someone else's National Anthem.

I cannot wait for the next World Cup Qualifier when we entertain Northern Ireland. The moronic thugs won't be able to quite work out what to do when they come to riducule the oppositions National Anthem as, when the band strikes up, it'll be exactly the same as ours. They won't quite understand it...

Bit harsh? Your comments below please.

In Walsall land, Zigor worries about the display at the weekend, old favourite Killer Kyle Lightbourne has been handed the job of coaching the Bermudan National Team and we're desperately hoping that Joe Murphy will be fit for Saturday, despite this report.

As regards to the appointment of our coach, well it's all gone a little quiet. I'm a little worried with reports that Eric Black may be offered the Scotland job should Berti Vogts be sacked as this may mean he wants Archie Knox alongside him (as it was at Coventry) which would surely put paid to any chances of Bonser tempting him to Bescot.

Tabloid Models Lucy Pinder and Michelle Marsh. Usual office discussions centre around which you prefer. I'd plump for Lucy everytime.

Actually, perhaps both together..

Opportunity Knox

2004-10-11T17:46:00.000+01:00

Archie Knox, one of the most respected coaches in British football, is in line to be appointed as Merson's No2 at Bescot following talks with Jeff Bonser and Merse this weekend. Rumours had been afoot that John Gregory or Mark Wright were in the frame to take over but the news that Knox is a "very strong candidate" is sure to be welcome news to the majority of Saddlers fans as the experienced coach has been a right hand-man to managers Sir Alex Ferguson, Walter Smith and Craig Brown and has been a No2 at Manchester United, Aberdeen, Glasgow Rangers and Scotland, winning many trophies along the way.

50 year old Knox's own managerial career was short-lived, winning 6 of his 16 games with Dundee back in 1984 but his coaching abilities, reputation and experience are second to none and he may just be the man that Merse is looking for. There are a few snippets of Archie's personality here and here from his recent days as Coventry City's assistant manager.

Elsewhere, our reserve team were beaten 2-1 at home to Sheffield Wednesday. Gary Birch grabbed the opening goal of the game.

Walsall 2-1 Colchester

2004-10-09T17:50:00.000+01:00

That's better! A week of in's and out's, sackings and signings culminated in a highly impressive performance and three points at home to Colchester United thanks to second half goals from Julian Bennett and Neil Emblen. There's an excellent match report here.

It was, by far, our best performance of the season and even Colchester fans were impressed. We played controlled, attacking football from the back, Murphy rolled the ball out and took short goal kicks to the full backs and we always played through the midfield with Wrack, Kinsella, and to a lesser extent Osborn all excelling. Merson had probably his second best game in a Walsall shirt, hit the bar, created numerous other chances and was even booked for tackling back! The passing and movement in midfield led to five or six clear cut first half chances which were not taken thanks to a mixture of bad luck and bad finishing from Leitao and Fryatt. At the back, we looked almost calm and assured. Perhaps Murphy had something to do with this before he went off injured but having Emblen and Aranalde back seemed to calm things down a little and Bennett was impressive once again.

Overall, I was very pleased with the display and left Bescot quite content that we may see some improved results over the coming weeks. I said on this website a couple of weeks ago that we needed to change our manager but perhaps the problem lay more with the backroom staff than it did with the Magic Man himself. Most of all yesterday, I was pleased for Merson and now wish him all the luck in the world and really hope he can start to turn things around. The appointment of a Number 2 (or perhaps even a joint manager) seems likely this week (Mark Wright, John Gregory and Chris Nicholl all rumoured to join us) and, although we shouldn't get carried away with one victory, there does seem to be plenty of reasons why we should be a little optimistic about our team's season.

Let's all support the manager. The chorus of "There's only one Paul Merson" which rang from the Purple brought a smile to my face and the elation on the field at the final whistle showed that Merse really wants to succeed. Let's hope he does. The initial managerial and backroom staff appointments may not have been totally correct but slowly the mistakes are being rectified.

C'mon Walsall.

In's and Out's

2004-10-07T15:50:00.000+01:00

Lots more news coming from Bescot today as the backroom staff cull continues. Merson and Bonser are certainly making some very bold statements and it was announced this morning that Simon Osborn has stepped down as player coach (or perhaps asked to step down) and a new man is already being lined up to replace him and Onoura. Mark Wright is widely rumoured to be the new man in charge with Merson alongside him but, as yet, these are only rumours.

Our new loan signing was also announced today and it was a bit of a suprise to hear news of a new goalkeepr winging his way to Bescot. Joe Murphy from WBA has joined the club, initially on a month's loan but with a view to increasing this into the New Year, as Mark Paston is not fully fit. Murphy is a well respected goalkeeper who is very well thought of at his former club Tranmere, having made 61 appearances for them. He should definitely improve our back-line and his presence may just improve the team's defending as a whole. Excellent news.

So, it all seems to be good news coming from Bescot over the past two days. I think it's an excellent decision by Bonser and Merson to trim down the backroom staff and to get a more experienced man in and I would certainly hope for an announcement before Saturday's game. There are rumours of another loan signing before the weekend too..

For now, here's local girl Jakki Degg's 2005 Calendar shoot. It's a bit racy so I suggest only over 18's click on the thumbnails. Thanks.

Onoura bike (sorry!)

2004-10-06T18:08:00.000+01:00

The good news coming out of Bescot this afternoon is that Merson has sacked his assistant manager Iffy Onoura and has set his sights on bringing in a more experienced No2. Three months too late yes, but this is still an excellent move as it proves that Bonser and Merson realise what is needed and I really am positive that this sacking may see some improved displays from the squad. For me, it is the correct decision. Iffy never seemed tactically aware of what was happening around him and was from the old-school of management. Constantly bawling, shouting and being sent from the dugout was never going to get us anywhere. Let's be postive and remember that Merson got the best out of some players at the back-end of last season so maybe Onoura was the problem...? We shall see.

Meanwhile, Gary Birch is desperate for a recall, Simon Osborn lies awake at night worrying about our defence (that may explain some of his performances) and we are on the verge of signing a player on a three month contract. All good news then! I'm always a glass "half full" kinda guy but I'm quietly optimistic about Saturday...

This site has been rather devoid of young ladies so far this week. Things have been a little hectic at work but please still keep visiting and don't forget to provide your own input by clicking on comments underneath every post.

Anyway, to compensate...here's Rachel Stevens sporting a little Walsall number. Are these available in the club shop??

Reflection, Reserves and the Beano?

2004-10-04T15:59:00.000+01:00

Maybe I'm getting soft in my old age, maybe it's because I have a soft spot for the underdog or perhaps I am somewhat blinkered because I didn't make the trip to Huddersfield on Saturday. Either way, it looks increasingly likely that Merson isn't set for the chop anytime soon (cue a dismissal within 24 hours) and therefore I am prepared to give him another 4-5 games to turn things around and I, for one, will support the team until Bonser is forced to make a decision.

Four games, three at home (if memory serves me correctly) and a chance for us to pick up some points. By all accounts, the performance wasn't too bad on Saturday - even Huddersfield fans agree - and had we taken half of our chances then we would have come away with something. Had we stopped gifting goals to the opposition then we would have won comfortably.

Merson shows further signs of madness by saying that our players spend too long reading the Beano and should show more fight for the cause and also comments that the future is bright for the club if he is given time.

A return to the early season goal-fests saw our reserves lose 5-3 at home to Barnsley. We fielded a very experienced line up with Bazeley, Bennett, Emblen, Kitimarike and Aranalde in defence, Kinsella, D Taylor and Standing in midfield and a front two of Birch and Atieno. Birch scored two goals and must surely be in line for a place in the starting XI come Saturday.

It does seem likely that Bazeley, Aranalde, Emblen and Kinsella could be in line for recalls on Saturday in what looks like being a more experienced line-up. Personally, this wouldn't do us any harm despite some good performances from the youngsters since the start of the season. Although, saying that, our experienced defence just conceded five at home to Barnsley. No wonder Merson is confused!

Our LDV tie with Cheltenham at Waddon Road is to be played on Tuesday 2 November with admission prices set at £10 and £5.

Huddersfield 3-1 Walsall

2004-10-03T10:56:00.000+01:00

Another away game, another thumping defeat, another 3 points further away from the play-off zone and another nail in the coffin over a certain Walsall manager. Okay, it wasn't the worst performance we've ever seen away from home but we conceded three sloppy goals and only started creating chances once we were two behind.

Fryatt should have scored a hat-trick and had Birch or Wrack missed the same chances then all hell would have broke loose in the away end. Yes, Fryatt has potential and he is a decent player but he has yet to totally convince me that he should be leading our line week-in, week-out and still be our sole source of goals. We all said we needed a goalscorer at the start of the season and we still do. We also need Aranalde and Bewers or Bazeley back in the full back positions, I know they're not great but they could do a better job than what we're trying at the moment. Birch also did okay when he came on so perhaps he deserves another chance?

First and foremost, Merson has got to go this week, closely followed by Iffy Onoura. We need someone to organise our squad into some kind of shape and to start playing a way that will suit most of the players in our squad, not the way that suits Merson. Your thoughts are here.

Something to think about for all you Saddlers out there, we have now gone 40 games since we beat anyone by more than one goal. This is a lot more than anyone else in the whole of Britain. Scotland's whipping boys East Stirling have only gone 34 games since doing it and are next in the list. We are in dire straits.

Elsewhere, we have been drawn away at Cheltenham in the next round of the LDV Vans Trophy. The match is likely to be played on Tuesday 2 November.

I'll post a more light-hearted column tomorrow, complete with some news and some gorgeous young ladies...

Walsall 1-0 Rushden & Diamonds

2004-09-29T09:39:00.002+01:00

A win's a win I suppose. Jorge Leitao bagged the goal in the 75th minute and Mark Paston saved a penalty just before half-time after Ian Roper had conceded a penalty. The win was deserved but the performance was still a long way short of what we expect.

Merson hopes that this victory, however scrappy, will give the team confidence ahead of Saturday and we battled to a 1-1 draw behind closed doors today against Port Vale with a Chelsea triallist, Joel Kitamirike, playing at centre-half. Kitamirike was released by Chelsea at the end of last season but played 25 times for Brentford whilst on loan last year and is thought to be highly rated. Your thoughts on the Rushden game (and Champions League) can be found here.

How hot was this week's Soccerette?? I present you with Stacey...

Merson speaks out...!

2004-09-28T15:53:00.000+01:00

Paul Merson speaks to the Express & Star

For someone who loves winning as much as I do, the last few matches for my Walsall side have been incredibly frustrating.

Results have not gone well since we beat Swindon and on Saturday against Brentford it got worse because the way we played was not good enough either. For the first time this season I felt that we deserved nothing from the weekend's game, and that was precisely what we got. In each of the three previous defeats we have suffered we have enjoyed enough opportunities to take a point, or even all three.

That was certainly not the case on Saturday and there is no disguising the fact we were poor. But the important thing for us to do now is keep things in perspective, and to bounce back quickly from the disappointment of Saturday.

Our League position is not healthy at present, but we have not played a quarter of our matches yet and we are still only a couple of victories away from climbing up the table.

Only six points separates us from the top six, and, while no-one at the club will be taking our recent poor results lightly, it is important that we keep a positive outlook on things.

In that respect, tonight's match against Rushden and Diamonds at Bescot could not have come at a better time.

The LDV Vans Trophy was always going to be important for us in its own right. As I've said in the past, it is like a mini-FA Cup for teams at our level and those below, and it provides us with the chance to reach a showpiece final and play at the Millennium Stadium.

In the circumstances, however, this match has taken on even more significance because it gives us the chance to get the disappointment of Saturday out of our system immediately.

We're under no illusions about how tough our task is going to be. Rushden will be coming to us determined to take the scalp of a team from a higher division and to book their own place in the next round of the competition.

But we have to concern ourselves with our own performance and we know one thing for certain. We have to be better tonight than we were at the weekend and if we do so there is no reason why we cannot pick up the kind of positive result that could kick-start our season.

As for my own position, I'd be lying if I said the results from the last few matches have not been a concern.

But, as for 'pressure', I have always believed that is a word used too often in football at the wrong times, in the same way that too many players are described as 'great' or 'terrible'.

I've been through enough to know that 'pressure' is a serious illness, or not being able to put food on the table.

What I am going through isn't nice, and a few good results would certainly make life a lot easier.
But I can cope with it, and my job is to carry on 'picking up' the players up.

That's what I intend to do and we all remain confident we can turn this situation around.

We need a win!

2004-09-28T14:57:00.000+01:00

The Saddlers return to action in the LDV Vans Trophy tonight with a home fixture against Rushden & Diamonds. Merson has described this as 'our FA Cup' and although no-one can argue with the excitement of the latter rounds, our recent performances coupled with unattractive opposition (is there anything else in this competition?) will hardly see the fans flocking towards the Bescot this evening in any great numbers. It proves to be a tense night but one devoid of a big attendance or any great atmosphere.

However, it is a very important game. Not least for the manager. Victory tonight, together with an impressive display, will see Merse given the chance to turn our league form around when we travel to Huddersfield on Saturday. If, and it's a bif if, we manage to sneak away from Huddersfield with a point or three then it may well be that Merson is given at least until the end of October to see if he can revive things. October is a tough month (home games with Bristol City and Luton) and we cannot really afford to be in this same position come Hallowe'en. In contrast, a defeat tonight will see Jeff Bonser return from his holidays with two things on his mind. To sack Merson and to start the search for a new manager.

Merson himself and Joe Broad are almost certain starters this evening and Darren Wrack might be moved back into midfield. Who else plays is anyone's guess as even the gaffer himself probably doesn't know himself. I'd expect a fairly strong line-up and this should be enough to see off a side without 4 first team regulars and who are currently 15th in League Two.

The Football League Official site has done a small piece on Merson, Tony Adams and Graham Rix (all ex Gunners) as they all make their LDV managerial debuts this week.

No change at Bescot

2004-09-27T17:05:00.000+01:00

Some of us must have woken up this morning and thought that today might have been the day that Paul Merson recieved his marching orders. It's now 5 o'clock so it seems as if the Magic Man has at least tomorrow's LDV game with Rushden & Diamonds in order to turn things around. We should definitely see off Rushden which will mean that Merson will be in charge for our vital away trip to Huddersfield on Saturday. So, for now, let's just get behind Merson and pray for two victories.

The man himself refuses to quit and praised the fans but, worryingly, does not seem to know his best team. There is a good match report here courtesy of the Evening Mail which sums up our performance perfectly. Meanwhile, there is heated discussion and a poll at Steve Roy's on whether or not Merse should get the boot.

I think that's it from Bescot today. Shall we focus our attentions on matters elsewhere?

Reading through the papers this morning...it became apparent that Tina O'Brien (Sarah-Louise Platt to Coronation St fans) is certainly growing up, Shell from BB5 displayed her assets yet again (this time on holiday with fellow Big Brother contestant Vanessa), Stan Collymore seems to be doing very well for himself (Imagine Kirsty Gallagher, Davina McCall, Ulrika, Sophie Dahl and Jenni Falconer...) and Jennifer Ellison somehow won "Woman of the Year" which is obviously simply a competition on who can show off the biggest cleavage.

Meanwhile, as promised on Friday, here are some shots of Kirsty Gallagher from her Sky One show "Kirsty does Dubai"

Time for a change?

2004-09-26T18:04:00.000+01:00

We all trundled out of Bescot last night with one thought in our minds. The words 'Merson' and 'Out' were muttered during almost every post-match pint and even the most hardened Walsall supporters must have been contemplating whether or not to attend next weekends away game at Huddersfield.

I was actually pleased by the appointment of Merson following the 'euphoria' that greeted our relegation but now I am afraid that it is almost definitely time for a change of manager. Merson has had ten games at this level now, coupled with a handful at Championship level, yet performances are getting steadily worse, basic team selection and substitutions are getting stranger and our league position is becoming almost laughable. If we were in this position yet there were signs of improvement then I'd be probably saying that we should give Merson a little longer but the stark reality is that things really don't look like getting any better. They look like getting worse.

We were absolutely woeful on Saturday. The move to 4-4-2 was the correct one but the insistence on playing two midfielders at full-back (Wrack is one of our best sources of goals, whether he actually scores them or creates them yet he was our deepest outfield player at times on Saturday when we were crying out for a goal), playing a right-footed Standing on the left, playing with K Taylor in the centre of midfield when even Merson has said that he knows his best position is at left-back and even contemplating starting with D Taylor were all mistakes.

Why sign Bewers if he is not even going to get a look in? Mark Wright is not a full back as he is far too lightweight and is still suspect defensively at times. Bazeley or Bewers could do a better job at right back and Aranalde and K Taylor could do a better job at left-back leaving Wright and Wrack available for selection higher up the pitch. Is Atieno really a preferred option to Birch?

We have the nucleus of a team able to play 4-4-2 and, having witnessed the performances of a 4th placed Brentford and a 5th placed Chesterfield, we could do very well at this level. The squad will need a bit of tinkering with (I still feel we need to sign a centre forward. Fryatt, although good at times looks a little short on pace and fitness at the moment and perhaps we were expecting too much too soon) but in Paston, Roper, Emblen, Bennett, Wrack, Leitao, Fryatt and Kinsella (who has been poor up to now but surely cannot turn into a bad player overnight) we have the makings of a half-decent outfit.

I have not got any idea who our next manager will be but I sincerely hope that he will be in place before our game with Huddersfield. I feel for Merson but this appointment came to soon for him. Bonser, like many of us, was taken in by the spirited end to last season but now must realise that the appointment of Merse was the wrong one.

Usual thoughts over at Steve Roy's

Friday feeling...

2004-09-24T17:59:00.000+01:00

Just a quick post to lighten the mood a little bit. There's a few little bits and pieces out on the web this week which are definitely worth a peek.

At Maxim Magazine there is a 'Little Black Book' containing 101 gorgeous girls all available for YOU to take out on a date. You can take a look at them all by clicking on their faces and even email them. There's a few real beauties and I might post my faves sometime soon.

Next up are a couple of simple games, one guessing female celebrity arse's. Or, you can see just which female celeb you're most suited to!

Perhaps we should get these cheerleaders down at the Bescot.

Good luck to the Saddlers tomorrow. I'm predicting a comfortable three points for the lads.

Check this site out over the weekend if you're a fan of Kirsty Gallagher!!

Kelly Brook gets behind the lads...

2004-09-24T07:18:00.000+01:00

Quick update...

2004-09-24T06:58:00.000+01:00

Here's the Saddlers news that I've missed over the last couple of days.

Merson looks likely to ditch his 4-3-1-2 formation (so much for the name of my website) and go 'back to basics' with a more balanced 4-4-2. Seems like a good idea to me but it all depends on who exactly plays where. If he plays Wright and Wrack again as full backs then he's likely to be playing 'central midfielders' such as Standing and Broad out wide which simply wouldn't work. The team should be Paston, Bewers, Bennett, Emblen, Aranalde, Wrack, Kinsella, Broad/Standing, K Taylor, Fryatt and Leitao. (Subs McKinney, Roper, D Taylor, Broad/Standing and Merson)

Discussion on the new 4-4-2 system, can be found here.

Darren Wrack isn't happy with the results we've been getting so far but is determined to 'turn things around' for this manager.

Jeff Bonser has given his backing to Merse but admits that the former England man needs to be more 'ruthless', saying that he tries to 'please to many people'.

I'll be back later with a more light hearted post and thoughts on tomorrow's game.

Brian Clough - Legend - RIP 1935-2004

2004-09-20T18:12:00.000+01:00

The great man sadly passed away today aged 69. Your thoughts can be posted at the bottom of this page whilst memories of a true great can be found here and here.

The question we are all asking...

2004-09-20T17:26:00.000+01:00

Well, the talk of the town at the moment is the disappointing start to the season and whether or not Paul Merson should remain in charge of the club. There are discussions here, here and here and a "should he stay or should he go" poll here so I won't delve too deeply into the same old conversation but can I just say that perhaps it is a little too soon to start banding around names of our 'new' manager when our current one is still in post and still may have the capabilities of turning things around. Besides, we have absolutely no chance of getting people in like Eric Black, Brian Little and Ron Atkinson.

For the record, I think that perhaps the best way forward would be to bring an experienced old head in alongside Merson. Merse is still learning after all but he has no-one to learn from at the moment and is left to make his own mistakes. Why not get someone in for a year or so, work alongside Merson (whilst he gets his coaching badges, continues to get over his personal problems and finally hangs up his boots). I am not sure who this experienced older head may be but I'm sure there's someone out there willing to take on the task. It doesn't necessarily need to be a big name either....just someone who knows football inside and out and has a few contacts so that he can wheel and deal on the cheap. This isn't very likely though as it is more likely that Bonser will simply say that enough is enough and get rid of Merson should things not improve. We shall see what happens.

Merson definitely fears for his job so lets try and support him as best we can. Mr Bonser, in turn, supports his manager.

Chesterfield 1-0 Walsall

2004-09-18T18:21:00.000+01:00

Having just returned from Saltergate I am afraid that I am beginning to have grave doubts about the managerial skills of a certain Mr Paul Merson. Having always been a fan of Merse and having believed that he deserved a chance to learn from his mistakes and to get things back in order following a sticky start, I am afraid that the time has come to look at team selection, tactics and the lop-sided look to our squad.

We need a settled first eleven and should know our best XI after ten games. We made five changes last weekend and four changes today and neither has worked. Today we played a left-back at centre-half (Bennett), a right winger at right-back (Wright) and a right-winger at left-back (Wrack). Added to that, Merson said at the start of the season that he wanted pace, legs and box to box midfielders yet today he picked Osborn (30+), Kinsella (30+), an off the boil Standing and himself (36). Hardly box to box and hardly pacy.

The midfield yet again was devoid of shape. The persistence to play 4-3-1-2 is simply not working as it means our full backs are constantly exposed, the three in the centre of our midfield are unsure of where to play, when to attack and when to defend and we're left with Merson who is incapable away from home of making an impact. Why leave yourself out of the side at home twice when you're likely to make more of an impact yet persist in playing yourself away from home when you continue to create very little?

Fryatt and Leitao did their utmost but to no avail. Yes, we did create a few chances second half (I couldn't quite see how good the chances actually were from my standing position) but the overall performance was poor. We gave the ball away too often, created very little, looked a little suspect in defence and had too many players out of position.

Time for a change? The inquest begins...

Friday Afternoon...

2004-09-17T17:19:00.000+01:00

So we head for Chesterfield tomorrow still searching for our first away win. We haven't been to Saltergate since Andy Rammell headed home a Darren Wrack cross in a 1-0 victory during Mr Graydon's first season at the helm. Happy days indeed and I'm strangely looking forward to a return to the those lovely open terraces.

The news from Bescot is that Mark Wright is in line for a place in the starting eleven but at right back rather than as a winger in a 4-4-2 (so much for Bewers). Merson is also likely to abandon any talk of us being more cautious and defensive and will stick to his attacking formation in a move I'm sure Neil Emblen will be less than pleased with.

My prediction? 1-1

Away from football, I still rather fancy a trip to Zurich sooner rather than later (ignoring the first picture of course), that dark haired girl from Steps is looking a lot better these days whilst Girls Aloud looked stunning in the US. Also, if this girl is from Walsall then why does she supports Stockport? (some parts not safe for work)

The game of the weekend in the Premiership is Chelsea v Tottenham and the North Londoners definitely win this battle...

Friday morning....

2004-09-17T11:29:00.000+01:00

Aren't weeks with no midweek game incredibly dull and boring? Thank god it's finally Friday. The weeks drag on even more so when there's little or no news coming out of Bescot. Didn't we used to be linked with players or at least getting in someone on loan nearly every other week?

There'll be team news and a bigger update later on today but meanwhile, Shell from Big Brother 5 has done a rather eye-catching photo-shoot with none other than Katie Price (Jordan). Definitely worth a look.

Quick Update

2004-09-15T22:57:00.000+01:00

Quick Update on the Football News:

Jonathon Bewers has signed a three month contract following his performance on Saturday. Merson is pleased with the signing.

Our reserves won 3-0 at Preston. Gary Birch scored twice and Leroy Williams netted the other.

Michael Standing is happy with life so far at Bescot but realises that results need to improve.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea kicked off their Champions League campaigns with victories whilst Man United were held to a 2-2 draw in Lyon. Tim Howard's very own Richard McKinney impression continued for the second game in succession.

Things can only get better...

2004-09-14T14:14:00.000+01:00

Well, unfortunately my request for feedback about the site fell on deaf ears so I'm left wondering whether anyone actually reads this site? Still, I'll continue and hopefully, in time, the feedback will increase.

There is still very little news coming out of Bescot at the moment other than Merson says that he will "get it right in the end". There is a full Coca Cola Championship program tonight with the Wolves travelling to Brighton and the Champions League kicks off with Celtic v Barcelona on ITV2 and Arsenal v PSV Eindhoven live on ITV1. Fingers crossed that the British Teams get their campaigns off to a winning start.

I have also come across a recent interview with Merson courtesy of the Football Association.

Elsewhere, here is an excellent Stick Cricket game which is sure to pass many hours whilst you're stuck in the office,

The Soccerette on Soccer AM on Saturday was Emma, a Blues fan from Solihull. Despite her allegiancy, we all definitely wouldn't mind waking up next to her. Hope you enjoy.

Girls Aloud

2004-09-13T16:24:00.000+01:00

Following Saturday's 1-1 draw there is again mixed opinion with regards to the team's display and Merse's ability as a manager. Whichever way you look at it, we desperately need to start winning sooner rather than later. The league is incredibly tight and even something as simple as three wins out of four will make the situation look slightly more rosy. I'm willing to give Merson and the team at least until Christmas but we should at least be in with a shout of the Top 6 by then otherwise serious questions will start being asked. Merson wasn't happy with the performance but Chris Turner (Wednesday boss) was chuffed to bits with a point.

Something to lighten the mood a little I think. FHM have done a special 5 covers for this month's issue, each capturing the delight of Girls Aloud. Who's your favourite? Click on 'comments'

Your thoughts...

2004-09-13T11:41:00.000+01:00

The website is now been live for around a month, is moving along nicely and I'm fairly happy with it's progress. We are getting a fair few 'hits' and the feedback that I have received is positive. I do, however, want to make it a bit more interactive with discussions and even more feedback from yourselves. I realise that Steve Roy's site is the main source for opinions but I would like to think that we could get a little more comments from yourselves with discussion following some of the posts. I simply want to improve this site and make it more enjoyable for the people who view it and therefore I am asking for your input...

Therefore I would be grateful if you could add your feedback to the site by clicking on 'comments' below, via Steve Roy's here or by emailing me here giving your thoughts and feelings regarding the site itself.

Which parts do you like? Walsall opinion? Photographs? General news?
Would you like to see more opinion on other sports?
Are you happy as it stands?
Do you often click on links to other sites or tend to ignore these?
Anything else?

Walsall 1-1 Sheffield Wednesday

2004-09-11T18:09:00.000+01:00

Too much chopping and changing?

5 changes brought us a point and an average performance but not the victory we needed and there was little improvement in the shape or way we played? The 4 midfielders (Wrack, Osborn, Standing and Kinsella) didn't seem to know who was meant to be on the right, left or at the head of the diamond and two more changes to the defence made little difference until, strangely enough, Emblen was bought on to steady the ship a little following an injury to unlikley debutant Kofi Dakinah. Jonathon Bewers had a steady if unspectacular debut at right-back instead of Bazeley.

We failed to create many clear cut chances. Wrack had the best chance just after the hour mark but had his shot saved when he really should have scored following good work by Leitao and Merson. We looked a lot better once Merson and Fryatt were introduced and I very much doubt whether or not it was a wise move to start with Williams. Okay, he's quick and lively but he doesn't create anything, doesn't look like scoring and gives the ball away too often. He's a lively prospect but more so from the bench rather than from starting games. Let's give Fryatt and Jorge five or six games together. Merson should be more aware of his best XI now and we should stick to it regardless for at least four games. Good teams should know their starting XI's and Merson doesn't seem to be any the wiser eight games in. We are now languishing in 18th position and with a tough trip to Chesterfield on the horizon. Then we have some very winnable home games but if we are not in the top 10 after fifteen or so games then questions will start being asked. I'm all for Merson being in charge but he really needs to start showing signs that he can get us promoted. At the moment a mid-table finish is most likely.

Are we changing the team personnel too often? Are Wrack and Bennett the only two players to have started all eight games? Surely there should be more of a familiar feel to our team by now?

Sheffield Wednesday (h)

2004-09-10T14:18:00.000+01:00

Tomorrow sees us take on Sheffield Wednesday in what should be an entertaining game down the Bescot. We've taken 7pts from a possible 9 at home and in the past two seasons Wednesday have been a lot better away from home than they've been at Hillsborough so it should be a cracking encounter. Since Merson took over, we are that unpredictable that I have no idea how it will turn out but let's hope we have a bit of shape about us for once and perhaps even a return to 4-4-2?

Roper and Kinsella (who is about to quit International Football) are likely to be recalled and there should be a start for new-boy Bewers and possibly even Kris Taylor as Merse reshuffles his back-line yet again. Wednesday will be without big defender Guy Branston, Matty Hamshaw and Graeme Lee. Team news here.

Elsewhere in the world, the Beckhams grow ever closer to their very own five a side team with the news that Victoria is expecting yet another boy, Magic Man Fan's favourite Kate Garraway nearly bared all in a daring dress whilst if any of you Saddlers are planning a Stag Do in the near future then may I suggest Switzerland...

Finally, a new weekly feature here on a Friday will be my Premiership 'Game of the Weekend'! Tomorrow's is managerless Newcastle United (Souness is not allowed to take part in this one) against managerless Blackburn Rovers. Wonder who will pick the teams? Anyway, here we go...

At last! News from Bescot

2004-09-09T08:51:00.000+01:00

There has been plenty of gossip and goings on at Bescot over the past couple of days so I'll try and keep you up-to-date with it all...

We've signed Jonathan Brewers on a non-contract basis. He was released by Aston Villa in March of this year and then played a couple of games at Notts County without making a real impact. His stats are not very impressive but let's give him a chance as we have been searching for a right-back for some time now. Besides, it's his 22nd birthday today. Merson appears to be aware that we have the worst defensive record in the country right now.

Our youthful looking reserves came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Rotherham. Mark Wright netting both the goals.

We have 'amicably agreed' to release Steve Corica from his contract. I liked Corica as a player but he was very 'on and off' and can sometimes see why he had his critics (especially given some of his performances away from home). However, I always thought that he offered something totally different to that of any other player in our squad and was arguably one of the most talented and creative players that we possessed. However, he was often played out wide or in the very centre of midfield and Merson's arrival may have somewhat finished his career with us as he no longer had the opportunity to play 'in the hole'. Good luck Steve - I'll always remember that goal against the Albion. There's some interesting Stevie Corica related discussion here.

Former favourite Pedro Matias is having trials with League Two side Shrewsbury Town. Let's hope it all goes well for him.

More interestingly, is our renewed interest in Northern Ireland's central defender Mark Williams who we were linked with in the Summer before he chose to resign with the MK Dons who he originally joined (as Wimbledon) back in 2000. I think Williams may prove to be an astute signing as he is experienced and has played at a higher level than League One (also playing in yesterday's Wales v Northern Ireland game). It's unlikely that a deal can be done before Saturday but I, for one, hope that we can get Williams on board sooner rather than later as we are crying out for some stability in defence. If the deal is tied up next week then he'll be in line for his debut at former club Chesterfield for whom he played 170 games for. This rumour also gives me the chance to talk about his girlriend, the rather 'voluptuous' Linsey Dawn McKenzie, who may be gracing the HL Fellows Stand in the not too distant future. Personally, I think she's rough so here's his ex-girl - the beautiful Leilani (besides, you try finding some non nude pics of Linsey Dawn)

England beat Poland 2-1 (Defoe and an og) but like the players, I'm not going to talk about it.

England, Away Form and Soccerettes

2004-09-08T07:11:00.000+01:00

We're still in the midst of international week at the moment and England travel to Poland tonight for a vital World Cup Qualifier. I fancy us to get a good result tonight. Poland have only beaten us once in fifteen encounters and with Robinson and Defoe expected to start then I feel England will have just too much for the gutsy Poles. On Saturday, we largely dominated for over an hour, created numerous chances and playing Bridge and Cole on the left gave us a much more balanced feel to the team. However, I would prefer to see Cole as the left midfielder and Bridge as the orthodox left-back as I feel Cole's pace would be an asset going forward (perhaps Scholes retiring could help us as we are no longer trying to accomodate our four best midfielders into an unbalanced line-up)?

Yesterday I was debating Walsall's away form since the turn of the new millennium. I guessed that we had won no more than 20 league games whereas in fact we have won a 21 league away games since the beginning of the 2000/2001 season (our Play Off Winning Season). This is about 1 in every 5 games which is not great but seeing as we were in Division 1 for the majority of these then some would argue that it isn't too bad? What do you think?

For the statto's amongst you (courtesy of Soccerbase)

2000/2001 - Away Wins at Rotherham, Swindon, Wrexham, Colchester, Cambridge, Bristol City, Port Vale and Northampton.

2001/2002 - Away Wins at Stockport, Nottingham Forest and Sheffieudl United.

2002/2003 - Away Wins at Brighton, Millwall, Bradford, Gillingham and Grimsby.

2003/2004 - Away Wins at Reading, Wimbledon, Cardiff, Preston NE and Derby.

2004/2005 - None as yet!

Finally for today, continuing to update from last week - here are the latest two Soccerettes (aged 33 and 30 respectively) from Soccer AM

The Saddler Returns!

2004-09-07T09:31:00.000+01:00

Sorry for the lack of updates over the past week or so. The new job had me working in Oxford for a week so I didn't really get the chance to post anything remotely interesting. Thankfully I'm now based back in Birmingham so the daily updates should continue. Cheers for bearing with me.

Anyway, whilst we've been away...

The Saddlers' poor away form and impressive goals against tally continued following a 3-1 reversal at Doncaster (who were three divisions away from us two seasons ago). Matty Fryatt bagged our only goal and we also had a few near misses and a goal disallowed. Our away form in recent years is nothing short of horrific. I haven't got the stats at hand to prove it but I bet we've struggled to win 20 away games since the turn of the new millennium. I'll get the exact figures tomorrow as it should be interesting reading...

England's defending was equally poor in their 2-2 draw in Austria. David James made us thankful that we've got Mark Paston in goal rather than England's No1 whilst Beckham was virtually non-existent. Sven Out? I will reserve judgment until Wednesday.

Newcastle have appointed Graeme Souness. Wrong option in my opinion. They should have pushed the boat out and made sure they got Steve Bruce.

Man United have signed the world's most expensive teenager for £30m. Boy, is he ugly.

Iain Dowie has a really hairy neck.

Posh Spice is pregnant again (I'm not entirely convinced about the face sometimes but you can't argue with the arse)

Walsall 3-2 Swindon

2004-08-30T20:13:00.000+01:00

A much improved display for the final hour or so earned us three very welcome points at home to Swindon. In fact, aside from the first twenty minutes or so I think we were as good as we have been for a number of seasons. Our attacking play was inventive and full of movement and had our finishing been of a higher standard then we could have scored five or six this afternoon against one of the better teams in the division. Personally I thought Osborne (second half), Broad, Wrack and Merson were superb together. Broad seems to have more legs than Standing and Kinsella whilst Wracky was instrumental throughout. I've always liked Wrack as a player and he gets a fair share of underserved stick but his work-rate, passing and general play is as good as I've seen from him for a while. Okay, he should have scored right on half time but he didn't hide and got into two good scoring positions second half and hit the post with a tremendous free-kick. Merson seems to idle at times and perhaps not be involved a great deal but everything we do that is good revolves around Merson. His back-heel to Broad set up the first goal and set us on our way.

A word or two about Birch who I know has his critics. He does appear lazy at times and does not hurry and chase as much as he ought which results in criticism from the fans for purely a "lack of effort". However, every slight mistake is highlighted by a chorus of groans which tends to make things worse than they seem. If Fryatt did the same then there would be applause and cries of "Better luck next time" or words to that effect. I'm not a Birch fan but I do believe he deserves a bit more support for his assist and goal today (not to mention setting up numerous other chances). I think our best front two are Leitao and Fryatt without a doubt but Birch may just come in handy against the more physical teams. Let me just say that I thought Jorge had his finest game for more than two years today. He was superb.

Let's lay off those players who aren't favoured by the fans (Bazeley, Wrack, Birch) and let's support the team as a whole. I think today may be the turning point as it will give us great confidence. 9pts from 6 games isn't disastorous and Merson may have learnt from his early season mistakes. Let's hope so because I have a really good feeling today.

Enough of what I think, here's what you have to say at Steve Roy's.

Dopey Ropes...

2004-08-29T08:37:00.000+01:00

Well, a goalless draw at Torquay was not quite what we'd hoped for, or expected, as we all made the long trip down the M5 early on Saturday morning but, after a poor performance first half and being made to play with ten men for almost an hour then perhaps a point away from home and a clean sheet perhaps isn't the worst result in the world. Don't get me wrong - we should be beating teams like Torquay if we're to finish top six but if (and it's a big IF) we get 3 points on Monday at home to Swindon then we'll head into September in the top half of the table and perhaps ready to kick on.

I may be slightly too optimistic judging on our performances against Barnsley and yesterday but I feel Roper's suspension may just help us. It'll give Bennett a chance to play in his more favoured role at centre-half and will give Zigor the chance to regain his place at left-back, leaving us with a more balanced back line. Merson does seem to be learning from his mistakes and yesterday's substitutes bench was devoid of average young forwards and was far better equipped with Merson, Broad, Aranalde and Daryl Taylor. Also, the decision to bring himself on and produce a decent performance can only be good for Merson the player and for us as a club.

Enough of my drivel, read what the well respected pundits over at Steve Roy's made of it. I haven't yet had a look at the match report on the official site but I'm sure it's full of blind optimism and well-wishes to the players.

I'm sure you are all aware that we have a home tie against Rushden & Diamonds to look forward to at the end of September in the LDV Vans Trophy 1st Round.

Massive congratulations to Kelly Holmes. Two track gold medals in the 800m and the 1500m is an amazing feat and she should surely be honoured in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year come December (if the teenage public do not feel inclined to vote for David Beckham)

Thank god for the FHM Honeys 2004. Check them out.

Bank Holiday Bonanza

2004-08-27T13:19:00.000+01:00

Looking ahead to the weekend, we have the long trip to Torquay to deal with tomorrow morning and I'm sure many Saddlers will be looking forward to a sunny weekend on the English Riviera. I shall be there and I'm hoping for a good performance and 3pts ahead of our tough game at home to Swindon on Monday afternoon. Team news here.

We're in the Southern Section of the LDV Vans Trophy and the draw is taking place tomorrow morning live on Soccer AM. Those teams who were given byes have now been named so we definitely know that we'll be playing someone or other. Northampton and Swindon recieved byes.

On an entirely different note, I read somewhere the reason why England fail so often in penalty shoot-outs and a sure fire way of knowing whether we are going to win or lose before the first kick is even taken. In our losses to West Germany, Germany, Argentina and Portugal the kicks have all been taken to the left as we look at our television screens whereas our sole spot-kick victory to Spain was taken to the right of our screens! Coincidence or what?

Let's take a break from football now and let's draw our attention to Suranne Jones (otherwise known as Karen McDonald on Coronation Street). This is her from this week's episode and a few other tasty shots. Quite a rack I'm sure you'd agree...

What are your ambitions for the club?

2004-08-26T13:47:00.000+01:00

Neil Ravenscroft has wrote an interesting article relating to Merson, what is expected of him in his first season and what ambitions we, as fans, have for the club? It's definitely worth a look at The SaddlersFC and I must say I tend to agree with most of his comments.

Elsewhere, there is some discussion as to what sort of team we should have played last night in our game with Wednesday. I must say that 10 changes is a little extreme. I think the best option would have been to play a few 'fringe' players such as Broad, Aranalde, Dakinah and Birch but mixed them in with a few experienced first team players like Wrack, Leitao and Roper and only resting those who Merse felt were a little leg-weary (Kinsella, Fryatt, Bazeley). Still, it's over now and if we get 6 points over the weekend then last nights event's will be quickly forgotten. Merse seems relatively happy with how things went last night and Zigor is in line for a recall.

Perhaps, more light hearted chat a little later...

Who needs a trip to Coventry anyway...?

2004-08-26T09:24:00.000+01:00

A disappointing 1-0 defeat at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday ended our brief involvement in this year's Carling Cup. Merson made 10 changes to the side who played at the weekend so the result was not a great surprise given that Sheffield Wednesday were virtually at full strength. The performance wasn't great, however, and we barely created a single opportunity for the front two of Birch and Atieno. Here's what the guys over at Steve Roy's are saying and you can read a brief match report here.

The well renowned Magic Man Fan has requested a picture of Joanna Taylor (ex Hollyoaks) from last week's Loose Women and I'm more than happy to oblige. Keep chatting about this site on Steve Roy's website. I know it gets a lot of hits and discussion on there will lead to more people discovering this site. Thanks for the input so far.

Away from Walsall for a moment and it's big congratulations to Arsenal who surpassed Nottingham Forest's twenty-five year old record when going 43 games unbeaten following their 3-0 win over Blackburn at Highbury last night. A truly remarkable achievement when you consider that they've also only lost 9 games in just over 3 seasons whereas in the same period of time, Man United have lost 24 and Chelsea 22. Wayne Rooney looks set to join Man United. They and Newcastle have both made bids of £20m with the Toon expected to increase their bid to £23.5m later today. However, I expect that Man United are Rooney's first choice and any bidding war will surely see the youngster heading to Old Trafford.

Wednesday on Wednesday

2004-08-25T17:00:00.000+01:00

Tonight we travel to Hillsborough for our Carling Cup first round match against Sheffield Wednesday. Merse has named a much changed squad with only Mark Paston likely to start from those who featured against Barnsley on Saturday. I quietly fancy us tonight.

Meanwhile, we have taken a defender on trial - Joel Kitamirike - who was released by Chelsea at the end of last season and is yet to find a club. He spent eight months last season on loan at Brentford. Let's hope he shines during his trial and can shore up our back line. Let's be honest, he can't be any worse than what has been on show so far this season.

Jimmy Walker made his competitive debut for West Ham last night and did very well according to the Hammers fans.

I'll leave you with this picutre - National Cleavage Week may be over but I didn't think any of you would object. She was seen at the Hungarian Grand Prix...

Whilst we are talking of National Cleavage Week, you may wish to check out this and comment on your favourite by clicking on comments below.

Is Merson the Man?

2004-08-24T19:34:00.000+01:00

There has been some discussion here at Steve Roy's website about Merson's managerial ability following an article by Neil Ravenscroft on his website which questionned the former Arsenal man's ability to gain us promotion. The majority are saying that we should give him in time and look again at the situation in a few months time. For what it's worth, I might put my opinion forward tomorrow.

As for Wednesday's Carling Cup tie at Sheffield Wednesday, it seems that we are likely to give some of the fringe players a chance. Personally, I thought too many 'fringe players' were on the field on Saturday.

The Carling Cup Round 2 Draw is at 10.30pm on Wednesday evening and is live on Sky Sports 1. The eagerly awaited (no, really) draw for the first round of the LDV Vans Trophy will be made on Soccer AM on Sky Sports 1, Saturday 9am with the lovely Helen Chamberlain.

Soccerette Natalie

2004-08-23T21:26:00.000+01:00

Soccer AM's Soccerettes are certainly in fine form this season. This week, it was the lovely Natalie who is obviously an Arsenal fan (see the pic below). Why don't girls like this support the Saddlers?

Meanwhile, in Athens, Kelly Sotherton gained a bronze medal in the Heptathlon so massive congratulations to her as she has exceeded all expectations. Congratulations are also due for Kelly Holmes who has put years of heartache and 4th place finishes behind her with a fantastic run to take gold in the 800m. Well Done Team GB! (since when have we been called Team GB?!) I won't mention Paula. Let's hope she recovers and wins the 10,000m but if I were her I may well steer clear of it as she hasn't got the kick finish needed for the 10k. On a lighter note, surely Suzi Perry and Sharron Davies should get a medal for their "ahem" presenting skills....?

Super Sunday Indeed

2004-08-22T18:52:00.000+01:00

From All Things Footie

There was an allegation last year that Sundays on Sky Sports no longer deserved the ‘Super’ prefix. Statistically, the most likely score for a game shown live on Sky Sports on a Sunday was 1-1 or 0-0. In that case, today's 4.05pm result really upset the applecart. At one-nil up, Arsenal looked to be cruising towards the record equalling 42-game unbeaten run; even Joseph Desire-Job’s equaliser on the stroke of half-time simply looked like all would do would mean Arsenal had to break a sweat in the second half.

Then along came one of the most peculiar passages of play you’ll see all season. With Middlesbrough scoring two thunderbolt goals (from Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink and Franck Queudrue) in the space of a few minutes, and putting Arsenal two goals behind for the first time in 42 league games. For Middlesbrough fans who’d watched their team pummelled for 50 miuntes, amazing, for Arsenal fans; sickening flashbacks of missed chances and sloppy box-play. The next ten minutes were a phenomenal show of determination not to get beaten, and audacious attacking talent all clicking into place. Three goals later, Arsenal’s lead was restored. Boro looked shellshocked—as well they might—and even the unflappably confident Wenger was dancing up and down the touchline like Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford.

The fifteen minute spell from 50-65 minutes in that game will go down as one of the most thrilling quarter-of-an-hour passages of play in Premiership history, and it’s significance (in ensuring Arsenal match Nottingham Forest’s record of 42 games unbeaten) was not let down by the spectacle. It took my breath away. I’m beginning to wonder if there’ll be a game this season when Arsenal don’t score three or more goals.

Walsall 2-2 Barnsley

2004-08-21T22:15:00.000+01:00

Poor, disjointed, shapeless and devoid of any ideas are the words that immediately sprung to mind as I drove out of Bescot this evening. I had expected us to get all three points today as our home form will be the key if we are to do anything at all this season. What I didn't expect was a game and performance as poor as the one I saw today.

First half we were pretty good. Nothing special but above average. Kinsella, Wrack and Osborn had started brightly in midfield although there appeared to be no shape to how the three lined up. Was Wrack supposed to be ahead of Kinsella, Osborn and D.Taylor or should he have been out wide on the right? I couldn't quite work it out. Our defence seemed to lose their man (particularly Conlon) on numerous occasions when crosses came in and Walsall old-boy Shuker was giving Jules Bennett a trying time with his pace and trickery. Nonetheless, we created a couple of opportunites and Fryatt scored his first of the season and we went in 1-1. I was fairly happy as I thought we'd come out for the second half and play a lot better.

We didn't start playing in the second half until around the 89th minute by which time we were 2-1 down and possibly fortunate to not be further behind. Kinsella had been substituted due to vision problems (never heard of that one before), Bazeley had gone off because the entire Purple Stand thought it was a good idea and Fryatt had gone off with an injured leg. This would have been ok to some extent if our squad wasn't so top heavy with forward players. Enter Standing (who I was quite impressed with to be fair), Leroy Williams and Taiwo Atieno. This left us playing a bizarre 3-2-5 formation with five forwards strung in a line in Barnsley's defensive third. We basically had no pattern to our play and no shape whatsoever which led to the back three pumping high balls up to our forwards who were clueless to say the least. Leroy will need a few games in the reserves before he should be in the first team and we should not be relying on some many 17-18 year olds to get us promoted. It reeks of 'making do'.

Picture courtesy of Saddlers FC

Despite all this, Leitao was fouled in the 90th minute and Wrack curled home a perfect free-kick to earn us the point. 5 pts from 4 games is not promotion form but Merson must be able to see where we went wrong today and I would hope we can improve. What we must do is not rely too heavily on the youngsters. Surely Merson, Corica, Aranalde or even Kris Taylor or Dakinah should at least be on the bench just to add a bit of experience to the squad.

The match report can be found here and Sheffield Saddler, Magic Man Fan and Geordie Saddler are having their usual post-match debate over at Steve Roy's.

Finally, big congratulations to Matthew Pinsent and his team-mates on their fine performance in the coxless fours this morning. A tremendous achievment.

Athens 2004

2004-08-20T20:43:00.000+01:00

Things are really hotting up in the Olympics. Yesterday, I even sat through a entire badminton match watching Nathan Robertson and the lovely Gail Emms grab a silver medal in their Mixed Doubles Final. They were a little unfortunate not to take the gold but I must still pass on my congratulations to them on a fine performance.

The Olympics are all about young, relatively unknown sportsmen and women coming to the forefront of British sport. They work extremely hard for these chances once every four years and deserve all the plaudits that they receive. We've also gained medals in Sailing, Synchronised Diving, Equestrian and Cycling so far and over the weekend expect big things from Kelly Holmes, Paula Radcliffe, Ben Ainslie, the coxless fours of Pinsent, Williams, Coode and Cracknell and further medals in the cycling and sailing categories.

When you see guys like this competing, relatively unpaid in terms of footballers wages, it makes you quite content that some sportspersons still take part for the love of the game. Take note Kieron "I'm paid £60K a week but will refuse to play anywhere other than central midfield" Dyer.

A Levels Results

2004-08-19T14:21:00.000+01:00

Thursday is usually a fairly quiet day for football news and gossip. Midweek games are over and the weekend isn't quite upon us just yet.

Still, it's A Levels Results Day today (I vaguely remember getting my B and two C's back in the early 90's). I suggest you all go out on the town tonight and get hammered seeing as its suposedly the easiest night of the year to 'pull' an 18 year old. Most of them will be out celebrating and those who failed will need your shoulder to cry on. Either way, you're destined for a good night.

Take a look at these girls here. If this doesn't get you to go to University then nothing will. Pretty eh?

I'm back!

2004-08-18T22:34:00.000+01:00

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I'll do a quick run-down of events from the past couple of days to keep you all up-to-date.

England thrashed Ukraine 3-0 thanks to Owen, Beckham and Wright-Phillips.
Our reserves spanked Sheffield United 7-2 after an amazingly goalless first half.
Mark Paston and Simon Osborn will definitely start on Saturday.
I've started to watch Loose Women on ITV1 at 1pm. Mainly thanks to Kate (see below)

Soccerette 14/08/2004

2004-08-16T06:24:00.000+01:00

Perhaps it isn't all doom and gloom. Here was the first Soccer AM Soccerette of the 2004/05 season. Enough to make everyone forget about McKinney, poor full-backs and narrow midfields.

Chelsea sneaked past Man Utd 1-0 thanks to an Eidur Gudjohnsen strike and Arsenal steam rollered past Everton 4-1 at Goodison thanks to Bergkamp, Reyes, Ljungberg and Pires.

Oldham 5-3 Walsall

2004-08-15T09:10:00.000+01:00

What can I say? The match report here should do the trick but by now, you should all know that we were 2-0 up thanks to goals from Fryatt and D.Taylor but then capitulated in a 30minute spell either side of half time which led to us trailing 4-2 and finally getting beaten by five goals to three. I can't quite put my finger on this one. We looked pretty decent for the first forty minutes, we kept the ball well and created chances and scored two cracking goals. Oldham's pace up front had worried us but I did not expect us to concede 5! Step forward, Richard McKinney. I said to myself that it will take time to replace Wacka and that I would be patient with the new guys. However, three schoolboy mistakes from our new goalkeeper severely cost us today. By all accounts, he had played well against Aston Villa in a pre-season friendly which propelled him straight into the first team ahead of Paston. Sorry RM, but you must be dropped after today. Perhaps we didn't realise just how good Jimmy was until he's gone.

I'm still gutted. Here's what the guys at Steve Roy's made of it. They want changes.

Off to Oldham?

2004-08-13T07:04:00.000+01:00

If you fancy making the trip to Boundary Park tomorrow, here are a few details. I'm not sure if I'll be there or not just yet due to family commitments but I'm still hoping. The Saddlers have a fully fit squad to choose from with Roper likely to return from suspension in place of Kris Taylor and Gary Birch and Matty Fryatt again leading the line.

Other news and Patrick Vieira has decided to stay at Arsenal but Michael Owen is off to Madrid for a cut-price £8m. Seems like a good deal to me but will he really get a game in the Real first team? Surely they will line up with Ronaldo and Raul (even though I am yet to see Raul have a decent game in 3 years of watching him). It'll be interesting though to see how he copes.

Here's to three points tomorrow.

Kirsty or United?

2004-08-12T11:10:00.000+01:00

Pretty dull today really with news from the Bescot about as forthcoming as Dennis Bergkamp at an airport check-in desk.

Man United strolled through their Champs League qualifier with Dinamo Bucharest thanks to Ryan Giggs, an own goal and pretty poor opponents. Read more here if you're really desperate and didn't catch the actual match on ITV2. I watched the first half but then found some posh totty on Channel Four in the shape of Naomi Cleaver. These property/makeover shows sure do have some nice girls presenting. More of that perhaps another day.

Talking of nice girls. Kirsty Gallagher did a photo shoot for Debenhams. It certainly took my mind off the Man Utd match...

Bournemouth 2-2 Walsall

2004-08-11T11:53:00.000+01:00

We'd have all settled for a point at Dean Court tonight but at 2-0 up we'd all have been greedy and wanted all three. I didn't make the trip down south and instead had to make do with Sky Sports News and Mick Kearns on the radio and apparently we played very well for the first hour or so. It's good to see the youngsters on the scoresheet again thanks to Kris and Daryl Taylor's goals and I would have been overly satisfied with 4pts from the opening two games had it been offered to me on Friday night. Add to that another good performance from youngsters Bennett and Fryatt as well as two assists for Merson and it wasn't too disappointing in hindsight.

However, Merse made his first real managerial error when substituting himself for Leroy Williams when were two up with twenty minutes left on the clock. An attacking, quick, inexperienced youngster when you're leading 2-0 away from home? Surely a more experience holding midfielder and a return to 4-4-2 for twenty minutes or so would have tightened things up and allowed us to sit on our lead. Saying that, isn't that exactly the tactics that Colin Lee was lambasted for last season? Merse will know he made a mistake and will only learn from it. He knows his football does Merson and he's only human so let's give him the benefit of the doubt on this one.

As I said, I can't comment on the actual game so you'll have to read the Express&Star's version of events here or listen to what real fans made of it at the usual place.

Elsewhere, the Wolves stumble to a 2-0 defeat at home to 10 man PNE. Odds on consecutive relegations anyone..? Nothing else really to report other than that Young Michael Owen may be on his way as he was sat twiddling his thumbs in a Jimmy Walker styley on the Liverpool bench tonight which means he won't be cup tied should Real Madrid decide to add him to their long list of Galactico's. Silly name that. LFC won the Champs League qualifier 2-0 thanks to two Stevie Gerrard goals. Alan Mullery nearly fell of his chair when the first went in whilst reporting for Sky Sports News. Doddery old git that he is. Danny Murphy has gone to Charlton and amusingly enough touted them as a 'much bigger club than Tottenham'. It's a spot on thought but won't go down too well in the white end of North London.

Chins up. Oldham away on Saturday.

Reyes of hope for Arsenal

2004-08-09T23:56:00.000+01:00

Sunday’s Charity Shield was probably the most open and enjoyable charity shield for as long as I can remember; end to end football, countless goalscoring opportunities, four goals, and a chance to see some up-and-coming players on both sides. Arsenal were by far the more impressive side on display, in particular the Spanish pair of José-Antonio Reyes and Fracesc Fabregas (although his haircut leaves a lot to be desired). I’ve been saying for weeks that Reyes will be a revelation in 04/05—one for the fantasy football teams—I think he’ll outscore Henry and be Arsenal’s ‘main man’ this season. You mark my words.
Fabregas on the other hand is an altogether more surprising proposition. Despite having only recently turned seventeen years old, he’s played an unusually large amount of football for Arsenal—both last year and in pre-season—beating off competition from more established youth players at the club, as well as recent signings such as Mathieu Flamini. I think it may be the Rooney syndrome that David Moyes knows only too well; where the manager doesn’t want to rush a player into the first team at such a young age, but where ability and performances make it inexcusable to do otherwise.
On Sunday afternoon, against big opponents, in a showpiece game, ‘Cesc’ Fabregas demonstrated remarkable composure and efficiency on the ball coupled with an instinctive tenaciousness and ability to time a tackle. He outshone Djemba-Djemba and Roy Keane in the middle of the park, and one could detect the formation of an real understanding with Gilberto. It’s not a one-off either, last year in the Carling Cup he bossed a midfield containing Paul Ince and Alex Rae in a five-nil win over Wolves, and he’s been composed and sharp throughout pre-season. I believe he’s a very special player.
It wasn’t all one-sided of course, I was impressed by Alan Smith’s contribution for United, and his goal was as sweet as the proverbial nut. Tim Howard made a couple of exceptional stops and Djemba-Djemba impressed in spells; Paul Scholes looked pretty sharp too. I still have no idea what was going through Alex Ferguson’s head when he signed David Bellion, and Forlan really is nowhere near Manchester United class. Mikael Silvestre is a liability at centre-half, not bad as a recovery player, but far too easily torn to pieces when a player runs at him. The Nevilles were characteristically dodgy when really pushed for answers to questions asked by Jermaine Pennant and José Reyes.
The biggest gulf between the two sides was the quality of the younger players. Where Arsenal had Fabregas, Reyes, Pennant, the Ashley Cole clone Gael Clichy, Justin Hoyte, Robin van Persie and unused sub Phillipe Sendoros; United had Chris Eagles, Jon Spector, Darren Fletcher and Kieron Richardson. In my eyes, Arsenal’s youngsters were and have been infinitely more impressive. (thanks to All Things Footie for the match report)

Elsewhere, everyone seems happy with life down the Bescot at present. We're at Bournemouth tomorrow and I'm contemplating whether or not to make the long journey down to Dean Court. I remember going there once before. The night Wrack scored a screamer and we won 1-0. I seem to remember the referee playing hours of injury time as we desperately hung on. I think it was about that night when I thought we might just get promotion.

Aside from that - a pretty quiet day. Sarah-Lou looked nice on Coronation Street though. Is it me or are the producers tarting her up a little of late since all that business with the gay bloke? We haven't even heard the words "Bethany" for ages now. Good for Sarah - keep it up love.

Walsall 3-2 Port Vale

2004-08-07T18:57:00.000+01:00

The opening day of the League One season sees three very welcome points for the Saddlers in a game which had pretty much everything you could want from the first day of the season. Blazing sunshine, a decent crowd, 5 goals, a hopeless referee, a penalty and 4 sendings off (Roper, Paynter, Foyle and Onoura). Full match report here

I thought we played pretty well, we kept the ball very neat and tidy in midfield and looked fairly safe at the back despite McKinney giving us a few heart-stopping moments. We didn't seem to have too much spark up front until the introduction of Williams, Taylor and Leitao. Fryatt looks a prospect but seems to lack that little spark, that extra bit of pace to really produce something out of the ordinary. Saying that, he played well, scored and I would start with him on Tuesday night. Birch was the disappoinment even though he played better than of late. His first touch and general apathy seems to let him down at times in my opinion and I'd rather see Leitao up top with Fryatt for now. Taylor and Williams were the stars of the day though. Such confidence and pace for two kids so young. I was very impressed but let's hope it continues. Merse certainly hopes it will. These early starts must be doing us some good...

Still, a good game and a very welcome 3 points. I won't mention the referee as everyone here seems to be saying enough for all of us...

McKinney, Bazeley, Bennett, Emblen, Roper, Standing (Daryl Taylor 70), Wrack, Kinsella, Merson (Williams 70), Birch (Leitao 78), Fryatt. Subs Not Used: Paston, Broad.

Elsewhere, Colchester reign at the top of League One with a storming 3-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday. Our supposed title 'rivals' Tranmere, Bristol City and Barnsley all failed to pick up three points so it was only really ourselves and Hull who were true to form. Big Dion Dublin got his marching orders and an early bath in a 0-0 draw for Leicester at home to West Ham who left Jimmy Walker sat twiddling his thumbs on the bench (incidentally, Wacka is nicknamed "Snow" in the West Ham dressing room because he has settled in so quickly). Leeds keep their first clean sheet since Boxing Day '03 with a 1-0 win over Derby who were denied a late Junior equaliser thanks to a wonderful save from Neil Sullivan (thank god). Some bloke with a strange name scored after 19 seconds for Brighton but they were still beaten 3-2 at the Madejski by Reading.

Away from football, (well, almost) where was Soccer AM today? I hope it returns to our screens next Saturday. I had to make do with Ministry of Mayhem on ITV and the new look Sky Sports News which has gone all colourful and fancy overnight. Nice to see Geri Halliwell back to her best though in the papers this morning. I used to have a soft spot for the ginger one back in the day so its good to see her curves returning. Click below for the pics

The beginning..

2004-08-07T12:48:00.000+01:00

Welcome to 4-3-1-2, the Walsall FC chat which will cover all the latest news, views, match reports and gossip from the Bescot as well as light hearted entertainment covering a wide range of other issues including women, television, other football and other sports. Basically, your down the pub banter about the good things in life. Hopefully this site will be updated everyday with news and links to Walsall-related gossip from the internet but your comments will make the site that more enjoyable so please feel free to click on 'comment' and have your say!