Wednesday Saddler

Firstly, this week I would like to express my deepest sympathies to the family of ex-Saddler Matt Gadsby, who died at the weekend, playing for Hinckley. He was an excellent professional, who made 47 appearances for us. I have found memories of Matt playing at full back, or even in central midfield, under Ray Graydon. He was a player who was comfortable on the ball, and he was always reliable. His most memorable appearance came on the 27th May 2001 in Cardiff; when he came on to replace Paul Hall. I remember him flying down the wing in a rare counter attack towards the end of extra time, and running next to him was Dean Keates, who was waving frantically and shouting, 'take him on, take him,` as he was suffering from severe cramp. And you know what, he did. He went on to make a number of appearances for several clubs in his short career, including Kidderminster Harriers and Mansfield Town. His presence on the field will be sadly missed. RIP.

Secondly, I would like to flag up something that had gone unnoticed by everybody at Grimsby last weekend. The Saddler`s defence had obviously brought along their ballet shoes, and not their usual white gold addi..nikey… boot things. The first goal was a 9.5 to 'Ropes,` whose superb flick with his right leg had Wayne Sleep quaking in his pumps. The second goal saw everyone joining in; it was like a production of 'Swan Lake,` but without the lake, or the choreographed movement. Kris Taylor was the closest to impressing, but his attempted jump saw him used as a stool for Grimsby`s goal-machine Peter Bore to score the winner. So, in terms of football; non-existent, and in terms of the ballroom-come-sunny-grassy-football-field dancing, it needs some improvement.

For Walsall, to finish as Champions of League Two is still a possibility, but only if Real Madrid loan Cicinho to us and all the other teams have their defenders say to Hector Sam: 'There`s the goal, just put the ball into the net, go on.` Even then, I don`t even think Sam could find the net. To be fair to him, he was out of action for a year, while playing for Port Vale, and if he had played a full season, then he would have gone to the World Cup with Trinidad and Tobago. Against the Posh, he had a mixed game, where he played some clever flicks, but he also fell over like a sack of suds. He will need to improve, as Tony Bedeau is on his way back, and I think he has more pace than Sam, as well as shooting ability.

Next up: Macclesfield Town. This should be three points, but you just never know with Walsall. When that bloke down the boozer said 'it`s a funny old game,` you could be entitled to agree. But, when it goes against you, it`s not that 'funny` at all, so let`s hope Walsall are laughing come Saturday tea-time. If the Posh game was anything to go by, then ding dang do!

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