Hi all,
As many of you may know, I recently tweeted about a seemingy breaking story regarding the signings of George Boateng and Frank Nouble.
I originally saw rumours of these signings floating around the interweb and like any of the stories or tweets I publish, waited for confirmation from official sources and when the Express & Star took it upon themselves to announce the signings, I considered that solid evidence and with great excitement informed my followers.
However it was then brought to my attention that the story was in fact false. WFC official have said nothing of the signings and the players themselves have denied any knowledge.
I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to my followers. Unfortunately the E&S Walsall feed is directly connected to @TheSaddlers therefore any stories they create about Walsall are automatically published on my twitter feed.
I assure you, more effort will be made to bring you less fabrication and more dedication when it comes to breaking news.
Thanks for your patience and UTS!
Tuesday, 6 March 2012
Friday, 22 July 2011
High calibre friendlies: Good or Bad?
So there's a been a lot of discussion about the impact of the pre-season friendlies on WFC.
In case some of you aren't up to speed, here are the results of Walsall's pre-season campaign so far:
Greenock Morton 0 - 2 Walsall
Gretna 0 - 0 Walsall
Walsall 2 - 3 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Walsall 1 - 3 Aston Villa
The arguement at hand is - Should Walsall be playing high calibre teams like Villa and Wolves knowing full well that victory is a slender prospect?
Why set yourself up for certain defeat?
This seems to be the question asked by many confused Walsall fans but there is another way of looking at it.
Any Saddlers fan knows that staying positive (as hard as it may be at times), is such a vital aspect of following the boys in red (or white depending on what season your in).
The initial outlook on the last two games is: "Oh here we go, as if we need to be kicked in the head anymore...why would we play two teams that we know we can't beat...we want to see wins!"
An understandable thought, but pre-season friendlies are not there for winning...they are valuable opportunities for the coaching staff to assess the squad and prepare accordingly for the more important issue at hand...the start of the new season.
Playing against such a high quality of players can do nothing but increase expectations for the season ahead. Go into the mindset that you are playing premier league opposition and the other team won't know whats hit them. Not to mention the mental and physical workout it provides for the players.
Other critics would argue: "Yes but losing 3-1 just before the new season...it's a bit of a downer on everyone".
True, it would be ideal not to lose at all but you simply must take the positives from this fixture. Perhaps losing to Villa dented confidence somewhat but it is Aston Villa and they did concede a goal! Therefore thinking 'We lost against a far superior team but we performed well and we want to bounce back' would be a more positive and in my opinion, accurate outlook
Motivation is a fickle mistress which like a pendulum, can swing either way depending on how it is cultivated. Luckily, Dean Smith seems to have a way of bringing the best out of bad situations and I can only imagine that the metaphorical pendulum swings in our favour.
So as I conclude, playing inferior teams is all good to bring out the best in our players but playing superior teams is the catalyst that will bring together this new Walsall squad and make way for a new age and prepare for the future. The story continues here and at the end of each story, things always end with balance...watch this space Saddlers fans, as i genuinely predict another traumatic season ahead...whether it's at the top or bottom of the table...ahhhh to be a Walsall fan ;).
UTS
In case some of you aren't up to speed, here are the results of Walsall's pre-season campaign so far:
Greenock Morton 0 - 2 Walsall
Gretna 0 - 0 Walsall
Walsall 2 - 3 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Walsall 1 - 3 Aston Villa
The arguement at hand is - Should Walsall be playing high calibre teams like Villa and Wolves knowing full well that victory is a slender prospect?
Why set yourself up for certain defeat?
This seems to be the question asked by many confused Walsall fans but there is another way of looking at it.
Any Saddlers fan knows that staying positive (as hard as it may be at times), is such a vital aspect of following the boys in red (or white depending on what season your in).
The initial outlook on the last two games is: "Oh here we go, as if we need to be kicked in the head anymore...why would we play two teams that we know we can't beat...we want to see wins!"
An understandable thought, but pre-season friendlies are not there for winning...they are valuable opportunities for the coaching staff to assess the squad and prepare accordingly for the more important issue at hand...the start of the new season.
Playing against such a high quality of players can do nothing but increase expectations for the season ahead. Go into the mindset that you are playing premier league opposition and the other team won't know whats hit them. Not to mention the mental and physical workout it provides for the players.
Other critics would argue: "Yes but losing 3-1 just before the new season...it's a bit of a downer on everyone".
True, it would be ideal not to lose at all but you simply must take the positives from this fixture. Perhaps losing to Villa dented confidence somewhat but it is Aston Villa and they did concede a goal! Therefore thinking 'We lost against a far superior team but we performed well and we want to bounce back' would be a more positive and in my opinion, accurate outlook
Motivation is a fickle mistress which like a pendulum, can swing either way depending on how it is cultivated. Luckily, Dean Smith seems to have a way of bringing the best out of bad situations and I can only imagine that the metaphorical pendulum swings in our favour.
So as I conclude, playing inferior teams is all good to bring out the best in our players but playing superior teams is the catalyst that will bring together this new Walsall squad and make way for a new age and prepare for the future. The story continues here and at the end of each story, things always end with balance...watch this space Saddlers fans, as i genuinely predict another traumatic season ahead...whether it's at the top or bottom of the table...ahhhh to be a Walsall fan ;).
UTS
Monday, 16 May 2011
End of season stats
So half-way through the season, i provided a bunch of facts and stats about the 2010/11 season so far. Now here's the stats for the entire season.
Since our late revival, they may make for better reading that the first bunch i delivered several months back.
HOME
Wins: 9
Draws: 3
Losses: 11
Goals For: 33
Goals Against: 36
AWAY
Wins: 3
Draws: 9
Losses: 11
Goals For: 23
Goals Against: 39
Goal Difference: -19
Points: 48
Games Played: 46
Final League Position: 20
Average Attendance: 4033
Highest Attendance: 6387 vs Sheffield Wednesday
Lowest Attendance 3019 vs Leyton Orient
Top Goalscorer: Julian Gray 10
Most Assists: Jon Macken
Total Shots on target: 240
Total Shots off target: 249
Hit Woodwork: 11
Fouls Commited: 473
Yellow Cards: 254
Red Cards: 2
Penalties conceded: 5
Most Disciplined Player: Andy Butler(48 fouls & 8 yellow cards)
Clean Sheets: 7
Total Players Used: 32
Most Apperances: Matthew Richards 46
Player of the season: Andy Butler (57.8% of total vote)
Young Player of the season: Will Grigg
Players' Player of the season: Andy Butler
Goal of the season: Darren Byfield vs Rochdale
Apprentice of the season: Connor Deards
Lifetime achievement award: Ken Hodgkisson
In recognition of 500 Walsall appearances: Jimmy Walker
Since our late revival, they may make for better reading that the first bunch i delivered several months back.
HOME
Wins: 9
Draws: 3
Losses: 11
Goals For: 33
Goals Against: 36
AWAY
Wins: 3
Draws: 9
Losses: 11
Goals For: 23
Goals Against: 39
Goal Difference: -19
Points: 48
Games Played: 46
Final League Position: 20
Average Attendance: 4033
Highest Attendance: 6387 vs Sheffield Wednesday
Lowest Attendance 3019 vs Leyton Orient
Top Goalscorer: Julian Gray 10
Most Assists: Jon Macken
Total Shots on target: 240
Total Shots off target: 249
Hit Woodwork: 11
Fouls Commited: 473
Yellow Cards: 254
Red Cards: 2
Penalties conceded: 5
Most Disciplined Player: Andy Butler(48 fouls & 8 yellow cards)
Clean Sheets: 7
Total Players Used: 32
Most Apperances: Matthew Richards 46
Player of the season: Andy Butler (57.8% of total vote)
Young Player of the season: Will Grigg
Players' Player of the season: Andy Butler
Goal of the season: Darren Byfield vs Rochdale
Apprentice of the season: Connor Deards
Lifetime achievement award: Ken Hodgkisson
In recognition of 500 Walsall appearances: Jimmy Walker
Wednesday, 11 May 2011
End of Season Review - A personal analysis
Crack open a bottle of beer, whack the kettle on and put your feet up because now you can finally relax after a season a of torture and turmoil curtesy of Walsall FC.
To say it has been a rollercoaster of a season would be an inaccurate analysis because for one - rollercoasters are exhilarating and secondly, this rollercoaster has been going up-hill since the start, only reaching the peak at the very end before a quick corkscrew to save us of any pending insanity.
But enough of metaphors and similies...In a nutshell, it's been a downer of a season only lightened by the heroic efforts of Dean Smith and co.
The feeling of survival has a similar feeling to that of promotion except with a massive quantity of relief thrown in for good measure.
The failure of the club to succeed proved to be a catalyst for attracting stay away fans. During the last few games of the season, Walsall saw home crowds of 5000-6500 and away followings of up to 2000, a welcome sight as opposed to the woeful average of around 3000.
Walsall stood united and came together as one at the distress signal sent out by the pityful performances on the pitch and slowly...the belief returned. And therein lies the deeper resounding nature of Walsall FC. Belief. Belief seems to be the fuel that spurs on the Saddlers (as it does with any club) and the second that banner went up on the floors to go stand...the players believed too.
You can only truly begin to appreciate the magnitude of the task by taking a look at our league position a few months prior to the 'great escape'. Dead bottom...about 10 points adrift...certain favourites to return to the basement of the English Football League. Yet here we are...contemplating our future in League One and beyond.
So what next for WFC?
The stadium ownership issue is still hanging in the balance, the Dean Smith era can now truly accelerate with a whole summer of plans and signings at his fingertips and Walsall can now concentrate on getting back to winnings ways.
As always, I look forward to the future and UTS all the way!
Here's to the failure of success and the success of failure!
To say it has been a rollercoaster of a season would be an inaccurate analysis because for one - rollercoasters are exhilarating and secondly, this rollercoaster has been going up-hill since the start, only reaching the peak at the very end before a quick corkscrew to save us of any pending insanity.
But enough of metaphors and similies...In a nutshell, it's been a downer of a season only lightened by the heroic efforts of Dean Smith and co.
The feeling of survival has a similar feeling to that of promotion except with a massive quantity of relief thrown in for good measure.
The failure of the club to succeed proved to be a catalyst for attracting stay away fans. During the last few games of the season, Walsall saw home crowds of 5000-6500 and away followings of up to 2000, a welcome sight as opposed to the woeful average of around 3000.
Walsall stood united and came together as one at the distress signal sent out by the pityful performances on the pitch and slowly...the belief returned. And therein lies the deeper resounding nature of Walsall FC. Belief. Belief seems to be the fuel that spurs on the Saddlers (as it does with any club) and the second that banner went up on the floors to go stand...the players believed too.
You can only truly begin to appreciate the magnitude of the task by taking a look at our league position a few months prior to the 'great escape'. Dead bottom...about 10 points adrift...certain favourites to return to the basement of the English Football League. Yet here we are...contemplating our future in League One and beyond.
So what next for WFC?
The stadium ownership issue is still hanging in the balance, the Dean Smith era can now truly accelerate with a whole summer of plans and signings at his fingertips and Walsall can now concentrate on getting back to winnings ways.
As always, I look forward to the future and UTS all the way!
Here's to the failure of success and the success of failure!
Thursday, 14 April 2011
The Final Furlong
So by my reckoning there are only FIVE games remaining of the 2010/11 season and it's fair to say it hasn't been a glamourous one for the Saddlers.
Post-Hutchings Walsall have been playing to a standard worthy of a mid-table League 1 club but is it too late to salvage survival?
As it stands, we are clear of relegation on goal difference and by the looks of it, things are going down to the wire. The big question on everyones lips is do the Saddlers have the determination and complacency to see the job through. With the likes of Plymouth and Notts County also fighting for survival, the fight to stay in League One will make it all that bit harder for the Saddlers.
That's why we shouldn't dwell on the negatives.
Walsall have a nasty habit of 'yo-yo mentality' wherein they tend to change the way they act with regards to who they play. However, that mentality could come into good use over the next few games. Brighton at home swings in our favour. Could the hangover carry on till Saturdays match? And could Walsall use their mentality issue to knock them off their high horse and do what we do best...prove the skeptics wrong.
Then we've got the likes of Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday to contend with.
Walsall have a track record of doing well against the big clubs that sink into the abyss that is League One so take this, plus our increase in good form and you have a decent chance of survival my friends :).
I now call upon all you stay away fans to get your sorry backsides down to the Bescot and be that 12th man...as a club, we can do it!
UTS
Post-Hutchings Walsall have been playing to a standard worthy of a mid-table League 1 club but is it too late to salvage survival?
As it stands, we are clear of relegation on goal difference and by the looks of it, things are going down to the wire. The big question on everyones lips is do the Saddlers have the determination and complacency to see the job through. With the likes of Plymouth and Notts County also fighting for survival, the fight to stay in League One will make it all that bit harder for the Saddlers.
That's why we shouldn't dwell on the negatives.
Walsall have a nasty habit of 'yo-yo mentality' wherein they tend to change the way they act with regards to who they play. However, that mentality could come into good use over the next few games. Brighton at home swings in our favour. Could the hangover carry on till Saturdays match? And could Walsall use their mentality issue to knock them off their high horse and do what we do best...prove the skeptics wrong.
Then we've got the likes of Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday to contend with.
Walsall have a track record of doing well against the big clubs that sink into the abyss that is League One so take this, plus our increase in good form and you have a decent chance of survival my friends :).
I now call upon all you stay away fans to get your sorry backsides down to the Bescot and be that 12th man...as a club, we can do it!
UTS
Monday, 10 January 2011
Why Walsall's league position is an attractive job prospect
So after months of speculation, the reign of Chris Hutchings and Martin O'Connor is over.
And as far as the fans are concerned, not a moment too soon.
Now the big question is - who's the right man to drag Walsall out of the relegation zone and back into the familiar place that is the middle of League One.
Given Walsall's position in the league, most of the more advanced managers would more than likely keep away as the hopes of a top half finish are next to impossible.
Walsall are slowly decomposing in the basement of League One and curiously, this proves a very attractive prospect for any down and out manager or player looking to get into football management.
If you think about it - they have nothing to lose as things can't get much worse. If Walsall do indeed get relegated, then the manager can plead that it was too late to do anything and it clearly isn't his fault.
If Walsall survive, then the manager is a hero.
This is the attractiveness of the WFC job and the reason why many players like Lee Carsley and Robbie Fowler have been rumoured to have an interest in the position. It's an opportunity for aspiring managers to get some experience without any pressure!
It's a risk for the Saddlers boardroom to take but you never know, we could find ourselves a managerial diamond.
Walsall have received 50 applications for the vacant post so far but here is a list of potential favourites currently circulating the rumour mills of the web and newspapers-
In the meantime, I would like wish Dean Smith the best of luck and who knows, he could make a great manager.
And as far as the fans are concerned, not a moment too soon.
Now the big question is - who's the right man to drag Walsall out of the relegation zone and back into the familiar place that is the middle of League One.
Given Walsall's position in the league, most of the more advanced managers would more than likely keep away as the hopes of a top half finish are next to impossible.
Walsall are slowly decomposing in the basement of League One and curiously, this proves a very attractive prospect for any down and out manager or player looking to get into football management.
If you think about it - they have nothing to lose as things can't get much worse. If Walsall do indeed get relegated, then the manager can plead that it was too late to do anything and it clearly isn't his fault.
If Walsall survive, then the manager is a hero.
This is the attractiveness of the WFC job and the reason why many players like Lee Carsley and Robbie Fowler have been rumoured to have an interest in the position. It's an opportunity for aspiring managers to get some experience without any pressure!
It's a risk for the Saddlers boardroom to take but you never know, we could find ourselves a managerial diamond.
Walsall have received 50 applications for the vacant post so far but here is a list of potential favourites currently circulating the rumour mills of the web and newspapers-
- Dean Smith (Current caretaker manager)
- Bobby Davison
- Chris Turner
- Neil McDonald
- Martin Allen
- David Holdsworth
- Lee Carsley
- Robbie Fowler
In the meantime, I would like wish Dean Smith the best of luck and who knows, he could make a great manager.
Thursday, 30 December 2010
Mid-Season Stats
Walsall FC Mid-Season league Stats.
It's been a long tough season so far for the Saddlers, here are some vital statistics to mark the half way point of the season. These stats only take into account league games and not cup or friendly matches.
HOME
Wins: 3
Draws: 0
Losses: 6
Goals For: 10
Goals Against: 16
AWAY
Wins: 2
Draws: 2
Losses: 6
Goals For: 8
Goals Against: 16
Goal Difference: -14
Points: 17
Games Played: 19
Current League Position: 23
Average Attendance: 3761
Highest Attendance: 4580 vs Swindon Town
Lowest Attendance 3172 vs Yeovil Town
Top League Goalscorer: Matthew Richards 5
Overall Top Goalscorer (including cup matches): Reuben Reid 6
Most Assists: Julian Gray & Martin Devaney 3
Total Shots on target: 92
Total Shots off target: 93
Hit Woodwork: 4
Fouls Commited: 215
Yellow Cards: 23
Red Cards: 1
Penalties conceded: 2
Most Disciplined Player: Emmanuel Smith (27 fouls & 3 yellow cards)
Clean Sheets: 2
Total Players Used: 24
Most Apperances: Matthew Richards 19
It's been a long tough season so far for the Saddlers, here are some vital statistics to mark the half way point of the season. These stats only take into account league games and not cup or friendly matches.
HOME
Wins: 3
Draws: 0
Losses: 6
Goals For: 10
Goals Against: 16
AWAY
Wins: 2
Draws: 2
Losses: 6
Goals For: 8
Goals Against: 16
Goal Difference: -14
Points: 17
Games Played: 19
Current League Position: 23
Average Attendance: 3761
Highest Attendance: 4580 vs Swindon Town
Lowest Attendance 3172 vs Yeovil Town
Top League Goalscorer: Matthew Richards 5
Overall Top Goalscorer (including cup matches): Reuben Reid 6
Most Assists: Julian Gray & Martin Devaney 3
Total Shots on target: 92
Total Shots off target: 93
Hit Woodwork: 4
Fouls Commited: 215
Yellow Cards: 23
Red Cards: 1
Penalties conceded: 2
Most Disciplined Player: Emmanuel Smith (27 fouls & 3 yellow cards)
Clean Sheets: 2
Total Players Used: 24
Most Apperances: Matthew Richards 19
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