The Wednesday Saddler

If there is one thing that I hate about football, it`s when the manager of your team has a screw loose and they lose every week, only to collect a wooden spoon at the end of the season. This is the kind of harsh punishment that every single Walsall fan has suffered for the last three years. But now, there is a bright horizon that has cleared our path towards the staircase to the next level. Enough of the metaphorical twaddle, Walsall are going up!

We may only be a mere seven months away from the end of the season, but you can tell that within those long months, there will be a lot of action. It can only go two ways; promotion and a place in League One, or complete play-off failure. Sounds obvious to say that at the moment, but let`s be realistic about this; we are the best team in League Two, despite other people differing. You only have to look at the stats. Eight wins, three draws, one loss with 12 games played. We have the best defence, the best attack, and the best home record. We are now three points clear at the top, why can`t we get promotion? Because of this, I am going to stick to my guns.

This week will see the return of 'the Wrack.` Best news I have heard for seasons. We have missed him. Wrack is one of the best Walsall players there has been for a long time, as he was signed by 'Sir Ray` back in good old 1998, played a blinder of a season, went rubbish for two seasons, then established himself, again, as a vital member of the team under he-who-shall-not-be-named (but he was sacked for talking to Plymouth). He did well under 'Merse` as well, but he only played 10 games last season and the team suffered. He can assist, score, and defend to save his life. He is a loyal servant and a superb footballer. Enough praising for one day I think. However, I will say one thing, where will he be played when he returns? I would presume on the flanks, but 'Dickie` may have other ideas; he has so far. We need a creative player in the middle, so why not give him a go there?

I said enough praising, but I will take this opportunity to apologise to Mark Wright for my comments from last week, as he played well against Mansfield at the weekend. I have eaten my humble pie, with double cream and apple cinnamon brule, and I will now say to John Gregory…erm…no you can`t have him (yet).

Finally, three points again on Friday. Despite the fact that every week I say that we will find it difficult and then we win something like 4-0, so I will continue in this fashion for luck. I think we are in for a tight game at Chester on Friday night. Let`s hope that 'Dickie` can use his tactical brain to good effect again, as he`s one of the best managers I have seen at Walsall to have this vital attribute.

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