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BLIND, STUPID AND DESPERATE
 
02/03: Preview: Walsall
Opposition opinion
by Steve Roy of UptheSaddlers.com

What happened last season?
Drama, a few tears, but ultimately joyous celebration. An opening day win against the Baggies, then a struggle at the bottom through Christmas, leading up to the shock sacking of Sir Ray Graydon in the New Year – Walsall’s most successful manager ever. The controversial appointment of Colin Lee, the ex coach of Torquay. Much cynical outpourings from the supporters, including me, directed to the board. But Lee proved the board’s masterstroke; two excellent signings in Martin O’Connor and Steve Corica – and a run of victories after Easter taking us up to the comfort of 18th place.

What's going to happen next season?
I can’t remember fans being as optimistic about the start of a season. More quality signings in the close season – albeit not totally proven – in Leeds defender Danny Hay and Aussie striker David Zdrilic. The board’s much-criticised policy of not spending on transfers and balancing the books over the past few seasons now looks like a masterstroke given the ITV Digital debacle and crippling losses at other clubs in the 1st. So we are hoping for a mid table finish or better – a real chance to establish the Saddlers as a competent first division club.

Can you recommend a pub for away fans?
The Broadway Pub or the Longhorn - in the Town Centre.

What's the nearest railway station?
Bescot Stadium has its own station - less than 5 minutes walk.

Where is the best place to park?
There's a big retail park right next door - masses of space - best tip is to make sure your way out only involves left turns - otherwise can take a while.

Soundbites (from assorted Census correspondents)

"The weak link was hard. All our players are okay and we have no major faults. But at the same time we have no one to change or win a game"

"Survival is the name of the game"

"We Hate Stoke so much"

"Not enough free parking at Watford is there?"

"Struggled to fill a worst eleven really. Though it is only based on the last 10 years, and to be fair, the first few were all a blur as I was a kid, and the last few have been even more of a blur because of the lager...

And you poll below about ITV pundits is bloody hard, I wanted to say all of them! Robson gets it for talking almost as much gibberish as Gazza..."