To Gillingham and back

We'll meet again don't know where don't know when but I am sure we'll meet again some sunny day. Our old promotion song has new meaning now. Since so dire is the situation at the club I am unsure when we will return to Preistfield again...if ever at all bearing in mind that despite there 5 million pounds of debt Chairman Paul Scally still hopes to oversee a move to a new stadium.
This game has turned from a possible relegation decider to a nothing game. Gillingham having dipped into the relegation picture themselves following a 6-0 thumping at Bristol have since put a run together that has seen them move up into mid table and are trying to end the season on a high following last saturdays defeat at Yeovil.
Whilst due to the relegation and Gillinghams madding decision to put up the enterance prices a small band of faithful will see us play for pride only.

Gillingham manager has been speaking on the official site about his disappointment of the saddlers demise but the point been he wants three points to say thank you to the fans that have helped pull the club around in a season which in fact mirrors ours last season.

Likewise the noise out of Bescot is all about pride and showing some signs of hope to the supporters for next season.

Like Walsall Gillingham hada man sent off last saturday so Brent Sancho will be missing from the defence. Midfield battler Alan Poulton is also sidelined, whilst defenders Ian Cox and Danny Jackman along with on loan striker Gary Mulligan all face late tests. Ex saddler Darren Byfield will be included in the proceedings, hopeful of continuing his good scoring record against the saddlers since his departure.

Needs little introduction and his pace will cause any defence difficulties especially ours. Despite rumours of a desire to move back to the midlands it is doubtful we will ever see him in a saddlers shirt again. To some that maybe a relief but there is no doubt that if we had his goal threat since Christmas we would not be in the mess we are now.

With Grant Smith and Mads Timms returning to there parent clubs due to injury it will be interesting if other loan players such as Claridge, Mills and Leary playn a part or not. Their is an arguement that it is time to blood the youngster and see if they are good enough for next year.
Mark Kinsella is also without suspended Chris Westwood and Kevin James will need a test on the reaction to his injury following last saturdays game..but it is another loan player who most likely won't be with us next year.

There are quite a few young players in the squad and it is these players who will probably carry the burden of expectation for next season. So we are looking for the next Matty Fryatt, Julian Bennett etc. Some youth team players were offered pro contracts this week a couple of them may get a chance to see what it's all about.

Form is very much with the home side both in terms of recent league form and head to head meetings at Gillingham.

Mr Paul Taylor is the ref Unfortunatly not the ex gillingham and saddlers boss better known as sun tan man....that would have been more entertaining though.

Just as an understrenght Gillingham side was totally outplayed at Bescot earlier in the season I can't see much other than the tables been turned. Home win 3-0

Goodbye to league One
Barnsley home Saturday 6th May 3pm

Vital F1 Prediction League - Join now for Monaco