So how do you draw a line under all of this? When is the right time to stop? Do I continue until after the play offs have been completed?
In reality our season is now over and I think this is as good a time to stop as any. There is still the retained list to be announced, season ticket prices to scare me and the play off winners to be found. But I think this is a natural end point.
The retained list should be out next week and it would be really unfair to release anyone because they all deserve a crack at next season. However spaces have to be found to improve and develop the squad so a small release may be inevitable.
Whoever is on it they leave with our great appreciation and their heads held high. No return to last season when the French boys scrambled through the back exit or like Hodgey did for the cash.
On the subject of season ticket prices just tell me how much and I’ll find the cash. As for the play off winners, does it matter?
A wonderful season has ended with a wonderful achievement. Without question the most enjoyable of all of the ones I can remember.
There wasn’t a day like Old Trafford or the Milk Cup Semi and missing out on the Auto Windshield Final again was devastating but promotion isn’t the worst alternative.
We’ve won more games in a season than I have ever seen and collected 87 points into the process. Again this is the most I’ve ever seen. I saw 71 of our 72 goals (63 league) and loved everyone of them.
I couldn’t even choose a player of the season. Walker has been simply outstanding, Marsh and Pointon impeccable, Viveash and Green were so solid, Larrusson and Brissett did the jobs we brought them in to do and Wrack is a born matchwinner. Rammell was the focal point of the team and it is his presence that probably made the difference. Keates has been stunning and there is no adjective to describe the continual improvement in Ian Roper. This though is undoubtedly a team effort and they all have earned and deserve their share of the limelight.
I have always been proud to be a Walsall fan and always will be. However the feelings I have had in the over the past nine months have been special and I am so pleased that they are documented here.
Given that promotion wasn’t on the agenda last Autumn I can’t finish with the phrase “mission accomplished”. Perhaps a more appropriate description would be Miracle Accomplished.
I also feel that it'd be fitting to finish this record of the miracle with one statistical sentence...
Nine months, fifty six games, nearly seven thousand miles, 2nd place and one Ray Graydon.
Sun 9th May
An added bonus to yesterday’s results was Bournemouth’s inability to beat Wrexham and the fact that Wigan won and snatched the final play off place at the Cherries expense. They join Manchester City, Gillingham and Preston North End.
Now then spiteful southern bastards remind me of what it’s like to nearly get to the party and have the invitation stolen from you at the very last minute. I bet they weren’t on the pitch taking the piss at five to five last night and if I really cared I’d call it poetic justice. Adios Bournemouthy.
The final day of the Nationwide First Division leaves Bury and Oxford making way for the Saddlers.
Bradford City follow up a year of consolidation with promotion to the Premiership (don’t even think about it!) and Ipswich have to settle for the play offs.
The end of season shake up, unfortunately, has to take place without our neighbours though. The tatters home defeat by Bradford leaves them in seventh place and ensures that we have a three strong Black Country tournament to look forward to next season as Albion , wolves and Walsall go head to head for the millennium.
Technically as the season is now over and the new season is preparing itself to start we are above West Brom and the tatters in the new table. It may only be alphabetically but we still lead.
Now then spiteful southern bastards remind me of what it’s like to nearly get to the party and have the invitation stolen from you at the very last minute. I bet they weren’t on the pitch taking the piss at five to five last night and if I really cared I’d call it poetic justice. Adios Bournemouthy.
The final day of the Nationwide First Division leaves Bury and Oxford making way for the Saddlers.
Bradford City follow up a year of consolidation with promotion to the Premiership (don’t even think about it!) and Ipswich have to settle for the play offs.
The end of season shake up, unfortunately, has to take place without our neighbours though. The tatters home defeat by Bradford leaves them in seventh place and ensures that we have a three strong Black Country tournament to look forward to next season as Albion , wolves and Walsall go head to head for the millennium.
Technically as the season is now over and the new season is preparing itself to start we are above West Brom and the tatters in the new table. It may only be alphabetically but we still lead.
Sat 8th May - Stoke City
A 2 - 0 defeat. The foot was most certainly off the gas and without doubt thirteen or fourteen players were already in the airport departure lounge preparing for tomorrows holiday in Cyprus. It doesn’t matter and it didn’t hurt.
The Stoke fans were right up for it though and proved yet again that if Bristol Rovers had a competitor for the smallest of small town mentalities then the Britannia would be a good place to begin the comparison.
With both sides having nothing to play for we were left with the spectacle of knuckle dragging Stokies being dragged out of their seats and frog-marched in front of us and onto a court appearance. All because they got so hyped up over beating little Walsall, or First Division Walsall as I currently prefer to call us. Inevitably, the sad and predictable “down with the Vale, you’re going down with the Vale” ditty was also reassuringly evident, as was the even more pointless almost continual rendition of “Delilah”. Why? why? why? Indeed.
For the record should we be relegated next season it will have still been worth it. To find a more bitter and spiteful bunch – and I’m including our nearest and dearest in this - would be pretty hard. The first 45 minutes were pretty dull. Nothing really happened apart from a fine elbow by Keates on some irritating little shit and Rob Stiener’s probable final appearance in the Walsall shirt.
Much more notable however was the magnificently spontaneous half time disco where for once the police and stewards showed admiral common sense and let the free spirited Saddlers fans let their hair down. Dancing and singing and drinking and beer throwing and more dancing and more singing and you get the drift. For about 200 people there was a release of ten years of frustration and hurt as we celebrated our return to the promised land in the loudest and most jovial way possible.
Memories of this season will live long. Times like the winner at Luton where we realised we were for real, the goal against Stoke at Bescot, Darren Wrack’s run and finish at Bournemouth or the stunning improvement in Ian Roper are all so memorable but for me half time in the Brittania Stadium will never be forgotten. Time will surely only serve to enhance what was a very special fifteen minutes - The legendary half time at Stoke.
The second half offered nothing new and our four year spell in the Second Division symmetrically ended exactly as it had started with a 2 - 0 defeat. At the final whistle when the players had left the field I wanted to stay there. I really wanted to have five minutes more of a remarkable season, I just wasn’t ready to let it go.
As I left the stadium I said goodbye. Goodbye to the likes of Stoke City, the Second Division, to the mess of yesteryear and the ghost of not replacing David Kelly. Next season will be different to 88/89, next season we will start with a manager who has a clue and a team on the up.
The Stoke fans were right up for it though and proved yet again that if Bristol Rovers had a competitor for the smallest of small town mentalities then the Britannia would be a good place to begin the comparison.
With both sides having nothing to play for we were left with the spectacle of knuckle dragging Stokies being dragged out of their seats and frog-marched in front of us and onto a court appearance. All because they got so hyped up over beating little Walsall, or First Division Walsall as I currently prefer to call us. Inevitably, the sad and predictable “down with the Vale, you’re going down with the Vale” ditty was also reassuringly evident, as was the even more pointless almost continual rendition of “Delilah”. Why? why? why? Indeed.
For the record should we be relegated next season it will have still been worth it. To find a more bitter and spiteful bunch – and I’m including our nearest and dearest in this - would be pretty hard. The first 45 minutes were pretty dull. Nothing really happened apart from a fine elbow by Keates on some irritating little shit and Rob Stiener’s probable final appearance in the Walsall shirt.
Much more notable however was the magnificently spontaneous half time disco where for once the police and stewards showed admiral common sense and let the free spirited Saddlers fans let their hair down. Dancing and singing and drinking and beer throwing and more dancing and more singing and you get the drift. For about 200 people there was a release of ten years of frustration and hurt as we celebrated our return to the promised land in the loudest and most jovial way possible.
Memories of this season will live long. Times like the winner at Luton where we realised we were for real, the goal against Stoke at Bescot, Darren Wrack’s run and finish at Bournemouth or the stunning improvement in Ian Roper are all so memorable but for me half time in the Brittania Stadium will never be forgotten. Time will surely only serve to enhance what was a very special fifteen minutes - The legendary half time at Stoke.
The second half offered nothing new and our four year spell in the Second Division symmetrically ended exactly as it had started with a 2 - 0 defeat. At the final whistle when the players had left the field I wanted to stay there. I really wanted to have five minutes more of a remarkable season, I just wasn’t ready to let it go.
As I left the stadium I said goodbye. Goodbye to the likes of Stoke City, the Second Division, to the mess of yesteryear and the ghost of not replacing David Kelly. Next season will be different to 88/89, next season we will start with a manager who has a clue and a team on the up.
Fri 7th May
I suppose it has to end sometime but if only we could drag it out for another couple of weeks.
If only we could go to Northampton or Chesterfield again and show them that there is only one way of doing things. Stoke is undoubtedly the perfect place to round things off though.
They really thought that they would be there at the end of this season and having built an expensive squad have flopped in a way that only teams like this can. The chip on the shoulder, the we’re a big club mentality, the how crap are you attitude that has served the Claret and Blue Brigade so well since Christmas is also very evident here.
In reality Stoke, like Villa, are pretenders to the big boys. A League Cup here and there but naff all else to show for god knows how long. Perhaps Stoke should also apply for the Inter Toto Cup.
As for tomorrow it could go either way. We could relax and destroy them or we could ease the pedal off the gas and get buried. Whatever happens wont matter though because our business is done. We're going to finish 2nd and they're certain to take 8th. Just the 6 places below us the.
For once the result is irrelevant, let’s enjoy the party.
If only we could go to Northampton or Chesterfield again and show them that there is only one way of doing things. Stoke is undoubtedly the perfect place to round things off though.
They really thought that they would be there at the end of this season and having built an expensive squad have flopped in a way that only teams like this can. The chip on the shoulder, the we’re a big club mentality, the how crap are you attitude that has served the Claret and Blue Brigade so well since Christmas is also very evident here.
In reality Stoke, like Villa, are pretenders to the big boys. A League Cup here and there but naff all else to show for god knows how long. Perhaps Stoke should also apply for the Inter Toto Cup.
As for tomorrow it could go either way. We could relax and destroy them or we could ease the pedal off the gas and get buried. Whatever happens wont matter though because our business is done. We're going to finish 2nd and they're certain to take 8th. Just the 6 places below us the.
For once the result is irrelevant, let’s enjoy the party.
Thu 6th May
Jason Brissett is in trouble again. This time the FA have banned him from receiving Cup Final tickets after one of his from last season ended up in the hands of a tout. Well done Jase. He’s following in a fine tradition of Saddlers forwards who have been caught up this stuff.
In reality all Jason was doing was ensuring that a fan got to go to the game which is obviously in direct contrast to the FA’s cup final ticket allocation policy.
In reality all Jason was doing was ensuring that a fan got to go to the game which is obviously in direct contrast to the FA’s cup final ticket allocation policy.
Wed 5th May
A 5 - 0 win at Chester City secures promotion for the reserves. With the Youth Team also reaching the Midland Youth Cup Final it’s been a really successful year. Long may it continue.
Tue 4th May - Fulham
The runners-up host the Champions in a pat each other on the back and mutual congratulatory fixture. The only gatecrasher being the home town leg breaker.
The Saddlers entered the pitch through a Fulham guard of honour which was so very Kevin Keegan and took a deserved standing ovation from all four sides of the stadium.
The match itself resembled a friendly as both sides had nothing to gain from a victory or a broken leg (with the exception of SH) - isn’t it ironic that his initials are the first two letters in the word shit.
Rob Stiener opened the scoring before former wanderer Jamie Smith levelled following some neat work from the impressive Coleman. Ian Roper restored our advantage late on before the leg breaker levelled matters from 25 yarder. He then proceeded to put his hand to his ear to mock the Alsop End, before scarpering for his life at full time as half of the Alsop End looked to put their hand on his ear.
The players returned shortly after to receive their runners up medals and did a lap of honour. At times like these you realise why you went to Wigan and stood in the pouring rain watching another away defeat.
Not being a glory hunter I’m not sure what it’s like for the ‘twice a season brigade’ when the good times come. Does it mean as much to them as it does to me? I doubt it can but it must mean something or they wouldn’t come.
Runners up eh. Who would have believed it?
The Saddlers entered the pitch through a Fulham guard of honour which was so very Kevin Keegan and took a deserved standing ovation from all four sides of the stadium.
The match itself resembled a friendly as both sides had nothing to gain from a victory or a broken leg (with the exception of SH) - isn’t it ironic that his initials are the first two letters in the word shit.
Rob Stiener opened the scoring before former wanderer Jamie Smith levelled following some neat work from the impressive Coleman. Ian Roper restored our advantage late on before the leg breaker levelled matters from 25 yarder. He then proceeded to put his hand to his ear to mock the Alsop End, before scarpering for his life at full time as half of the Alsop End looked to put their hand on his ear.
The players returned shortly after to receive their runners up medals and did a lap of honour. At times like these you realise why you went to Wigan and stood in the pouring rain watching another away defeat.
Not being a glory hunter I’m not sure what it’s like for the ‘twice a season brigade’ when the good times come. Does it mean as much to them as it does to me? I doubt it can but it must mean something or they wouldn’t come.
Runners up eh. Who would have believed it?
Mon 3rd May
The papers are full of us. Promotion front covers everywhere and quotes galore. My personal favourite is one from Darren Wrack. “It’s not until now that everyone’s realised what we’ve achieved. But this beats Wembley. You can’t beat going up.”
Sun 2nd May
Walsall was properly rocking last night.
Whether it be the players bar, the Saddlers Club or the hostelries of the Town Centre the liquid was brown, cool, fizzy and going down faster than the Wolves in the 80’s.
I left the party at 11pm exhausted by the events of the day and the strange effect of a diet entirely based on golden liquid and bar snacks.
It hasn’t really sunk in yet and it may take some time to do so.
I didn’t decide to write this diary on the basis that we would achieve something and I wanted to commemorate it or anything. I wrote it because I wanted to detail the thoughts and feelings of an average fan over the full nine months(obviously I didn’t expect the play off’s either).
The fact that we have done what we have makes this more special. I can’t recollect when I first realised that promotion was on but I’m sure I noted it here somewhere. I’ll have a look one day. One thing is for sure though - I’m bloody glad I did write this.
Whether it be the players bar, the Saddlers Club or the hostelries of the Town Centre the liquid was brown, cool, fizzy and going down faster than the Wolves in the 80’s.
I left the party at 11pm exhausted by the events of the day and the strange effect of a diet entirely based on golden liquid and bar snacks.
It hasn’t really sunk in yet and it may take some time to do so.
I didn’t decide to write this diary on the basis that we would achieve something and I wanted to commemorate it or anything. I wrote it because I wanted to detail the thoughts and feelings of an average fan over the full nine months(obviously I didn’t expect the play off’s either).
The fact that we have done what we have makes this more special. I can’t recollect when I first realised that promotion was on but I’m sure I noted it here somewhere. I’ll have a look one day. One thing is for sure though - I’m bloody glad I did write this.
Sat 1st May - Oldham Athletic
So where exactly do I start?
Yes, we got the three points and yes we are promoted and yes we are a First Division Football Club for the first time in our history (granted, albeit on a name change).
We are a First Division Football Club. Excuse the repetition but it sounds pretty good.
So where do I begin? I’m not really sure. Success and Walsall Football Club have been such rare bedfellows over the years that I’m not overly used to writing about the good times. Today however the gates were open and success, for once, was good enough to come flooding through.
Hell, we’ve been through some hard times in the nineties - relegation in 1990, the receivers, the sale of Stuart Rimmer(amongst others), humiliation that bordered on disgrace at Halifax and Gillingham and Northampton and Scunthorpe and at home to Yeovil Town(amongst others) and last season generally (amongst others) but this was very much our day. A day we'd waited far to long to enjoy.
And it was truly fucking amazing.
For the record Darren Wrack opened the scoring from a tight angle following a challenge on the keeper by Rob Stiener before Chris Marsh appropriately got the second. His knee slide that followed the deftest of finishes was unbelievably fitting. Chest pumping with pride, head spinning with the intoxication of nudging us ever nearer to promotion and a home support going mental in front of him, only a slide of that magnitude would have sufficed.
Oldham threatened to spoil the day by halving the deficit before Siggy Eyjolfssen broke free, kept his nerve, beat the keeper and lifted the roof off the place with a beautifully taken third. Today wasn’t about individuals however.
Today, like the other eight and three quarter months was about a group of players. A group thrown together in August, given little chance by anyone, myself included, who have learned as they have gone along, moulded themselves into the tightest of units and shown character, discipline and belief in themselves beyond any reasonable belief.
A team who have responded to defeat by winning their next game nine times out of ten, players who have worn the red shirt with the same pride as the people who watch them wear it. Players who have grown together into one of the best teams to ever to represent the club and players who have tasted success elsewhere have now bought success to our now somewhat dizzy town. And possibly most importantly, players who have been honest enough to allow the supporters to feel part of the whole experience.
In 1987/88 when we did it last, the players appeared distant, almost aloof and didn’t appear bothered if the fans were with them or not. Being blunt, they were an expensive squad of mercenaries hired to get us up. This time was different and this squad of players should feel proud of this fact. “No big time Charlies” as Jimmy Walker described them.
I saw Martin O’Connor outside before the game, Blues weren’t playing until tomorrow and he's injured anyhow, but it was the kind of day when had they been playing and he been fit he may just have been unavailable for some reason or other. No longer a Walsall player but for me he was the flame that re-ignited this Football Club back in March 1993. For him to be here today in body rather than just spirit said it all. Once a Saddler, always a Saddler, forever a Saddler.
Apart from the goals noted above I have no real recollection of the actual game today apart from the fact that the first fifteen minutes flew by and the final fifty nine took an absolute age. Quite why the referee decided to play four minutes extra is anyone's guess. The game was well over by then and the biggest party the Town has seen for years was being delayed.
However, at 4:51pm on Saturday 1st May, the referee's whistle sounded and we crossed the finishing line. It was time to gather our belongings and move on as the fat lady and many thousand Saddlers fans burst into voice. WE ARE GOING UP.
Yes, we got the three points and yes we are promoted and yes we are a First Division Football Club for the first time in our history (granted, albeit on a name change).
We are a First Division Football Club. Excuse the repetition but it sounds pretty good.
So where do I begin? I’m not really sure. Success and Walsall Football Club have been such rare bedfellows over the years that I’m not overly used to writing about the good times. Today however the gates were open and success, for once, was good enough to come flooding through.
Hell, we’ve been through some hard times in the nineties - relegation in 1990, the receivers, the sale of Stuart Rimmer(amongst others), humiliation that bordered on disgrace at Halifax and Gillingham and Northampton and Scunthorpe and at home to Yeovil Town(amongst others) and last season generally (amongst others) but this was very much our day. A day we'd waited far to long to enjoy.
And it was truly fucking amazing.
For the record Darren Wrack opened the scoring from a tight angle following a challenge on the keeper by Rob Stiener before Chris Marsh appropriately got the second. His knee slide that followed the deftest of finishes was unbelievably fitting. Chest pumping with pride, head spinning with the intoxication of nudging us ever nearer to promotion and a home support going mental in front of him, only a slide of that magnitude would have sufficed.
Oldham threatened to spoil the day by halving the deficit before Siggy Eyjolfssen broke free, kept his nerve, beat the keeper and lifted the roof off the place with a beautifully taken third. Today wasn’t about individuals however.
Today, like the other eight and three quarter months was about a group of players. A group thrown together in August, given little chance by anyone, myself included, who have learned as they have gone along, moulded themselves into the tightest of units and shown character, discipline and belief in themselves beyond any reasonable belief.
A team who have responded to defeat by winning their next game nine times out of ten, players who have worn the red shirt with the same pride as the people who watch them wear it. Players who have grown together into one of the best teams to ever to represent the club and players who have tasted success elsewhere have now bought success to our now somewhat dizzy town. And possibly most importantly, players who have been honest enough to allow the supporters to feel part of the whole experience.
In 1987/88 when we did it last, the players appeared distant, almost aloof and didn’t appear bothered if the fans were with them or not. Being blunt, they were an expensive squad of mercenaries hired to get us up. This time was different and this squad of players should feel proud of this fact. “No big time Charlies” as Jimmy Walker described them.
I saw Martin O’Connor outside before the game, Blues weren’t playing until tomorrow and he's injured anyhow, but it was the kind of day when had they been playing and he been fit he may just have been unavailable for some reason or other. No longer a Walsall player but for me he was the flame that re-ignited this Football Club back in March 1993. For him to be here today in body rather than just spirit said it all. Once a Saddler, always a Saddler, forever a Saddler.
Apart from the goals noted above I have no real recollection of the actual game today apart from the fact that the first fifteen minutes flew by and the final fifty nine took an absolute age. Quite why the referee decided to play four minutes extra is anyone's guess. The game was well over by then and the biggest party the Town has seen for years was being delayed.
However, at 4:51pm on Saturday 1st May, the referee's whistle sounded and we crossed the finishing line. It was time to gather our belongings and move on as the fat lady and many thousand Saddlers fans burst into voice. WE ARE GOING UP.
Fri 30th April
OK so here’s the story.
Walsall Football Club, perennial bridesmaids, you’re at the Church, the colour co-ordinated dresses of all other occasions have been swapped for a white one and the church is full to the rafters. Your groom and his best man are already inside and the bridesmaids are watching your every move.
For too long this has been a day for others but your time has finally arrived. The vicar is ready, the bells ringing and bridal march playing. Be brave, look straight ahead and walk the aisle as classily as you got to here.
It's down to you now, it's your day. Do it. Do it.
Walsall Football Club, perennial bridesmaids, you’re at the Church, the colour co-ordinated dresses of all other occasions have been swapped for a white one and the church is full to the rafters. Your groom and his best man are already inside and the bridesmaids are watching your every move.
For too long this has been a day for others but your time has finally arrived. The vicar is ready, the bells ringing and bridal march playing. Be brave, look straight ahead and walk the aisle as classily as you got to here.
It's down to you now, it's your day. Do it. Do it.
Wed 28th April
To say it’s a little quiet on the Bescot front would be an understatement.
The sold out signs are now out for Saturday and Bescot will be humming with promotion fever. The national newspapers seem to have located Walsall for the first time since the Watford games in the late 80's and the Word according to Ray is being splashed across every workplace in the lane.
I wonder if they’ve pinned it up around Moss Side and inside Maine Road?
Now at Manchester City in September they sang “3 - 0 in your cup final..3 - 0 in your cup final..” Well with City not kicking off until 6 O Clock on Saturday night they’re going to have to sit there and listen to a bigger game. This is our cup final and in many ways it’s also Manchester City’s. Should we win then they lose.
It’s their Cup Final and they can’t even get a ticket. He who laughs last laughs the loudest. He with the Manc accent isn’t finding us funny anymore.
The sold out signs are now out for Saturday and Bescot will be humming with promotion fever. The national newspapers seem to have located Walsall for the first time since the Watford games in the late 80's and the Word according to Ray is being splashed across every workplace in the lane.
I wonder if they’ve pinned it up around Moss Side and inside Maine Road?
Now at Manchester City in September they sang “3 - 0 in your cup final..3 - 0 in your cup final..” Well with City not kicking off until 6 O Clock on Saturday night they’re going to have to sit there and listen to a bigger game. This is our cup final and in many ways it’s also Manchester City’s. Should we win then they lose.
It’s their Cup Final and they can’t even get a ticket. He who laughs last laughs the loudest. He with the Manc accent isn’t finding us funny anymore.
Sun 25th April
With no midweek game we’re going to have to wait until next Saturday to have a crack at completing the miracle. I’ve got a feeling that we’re in for a long week.
Sat 24th April - Lincoln City
The day that the muddy waters that stream through the Second Division cleared. In fact so clear that there’s a possibility of a Lincoln spring being unveiled.
I’ll go for this one in chronological order. Inside the first five minutes rumours sweep the very expensive away terrace(£13) that Wycombe had taken the lead at Maine Road. The first rule of such days is don’t believe anything you hear until you can confirm it.
Almost simultaneously Lincoln get a chance and a cross is headed in from three yards out. I remember screaming “offside” at the referee but I’m not 100% sure it was. Fortunately the Assistant Referee or useless prick as I had called him only two nano seconds previously agreed with my decision and we were still all square. Just.
About five minutes later a reliable source confirms the Man City scoreline. So a chance of Wycombe stealing a point is on the cards. Another five minutes later it’s 2 - 0 Wycombe and we search for confirmation of this one. Yes it is true.
Half time arrives no goal in this one and a 2 - 1 scoreline at Maine Road. Can Wycombe hold on? I doubt it. We didn’t get the Preston score so I tried to forget the fact that they were playing.
The second half was really tense and the notable silence from Maine Road made merely served to up the tension another notch. That is until with twelve minutes remaining he only went and did it again.
Latching onto an Andy Rammell through ball, he broke through the Lincoln back line, sat the keeper on his arse, dribbled round him, slotted into an unguarded net and ran towards his adoring people.
Boooooooooooom! Pandemonium.
Super Darren Wrack had delivered again. I honestly can’t think of a more passionate celebration. I can rarely remember what I’m thinking when we score but this was at a different level. Now when you see people going mental as the Pope touches them and you don’t understand what the fuss is about then you won’t really follow the next bit. It was like that. A maul of grown men, myself included began to race into the area of the terrace/pitch where three or four green shirts were celebrating.
A packed away terrace went absolutely mental. A small child stood in my way or otherwise I’d have been one of the first there. A loss of acceleration and a quick side-step had cost me a vital half second and I had to make do with trying to get a touch of our goalscoring hero.
There were others who arrived later than me who didn’t even get a sight let alone a sniff of those sweaty green shirts but it didn’t matter.
We'd done the hard bit, now all we had to do was hold on for twelve minutes. Twelve very long minutes. In the twelfth and final minute the reserve official raised the overtime card. I never knew they did on that long! It had a six on it but for all the pressure I felt it could have said Tuesday.
Despite the huge amount of extra time we made it through to the final whistle unscathed and now it was time for mobile phones and even more mobile radios to break our hearts.
Wycombe couldn’t hold on could they? And what did Millwall have to gain from beating Preston?
And than we knew.
Unbelievably, Wycombe had held on for the result of the day and Millwall repaid their Auto Windshield debt by coming back from 2 - 0 down with six minutes to go to snatch a point.
It wasn’t relief and it wasn’t joyous celebrations, it was just kind of strange. Perhaps because as Walsall fans we’ve been raised to expect the worst, I don’t know, but there was a pungent aroma of success in the air. Suddenly two points are all we require from our final three games and should City and North End fail to win any of their final two fixtures then we have already done enough.
"Only two more points” someone said to me. What’s all this “only” I replied. As always, the pessimist but the ride home was a mighty nice one.
I’ll go for this one in chronological order. Inside the first five minutes rumours sweep the very expensive away terrace(£13) that Wycombe had taken the lead at Maine Road. The first rule of such days is don’t believe anything you hear until you can confirm it.
Almost simultaneously Lincoln get a chance and a cross is headed in from three yards out. I remember screaming “offside” at the referee but I’m not 100% sure it was. Fortunately the Assistant Referee or useless prick as I had called him only two nano seconds previously agreed with my decision and we were still all square. Just.
About five minutes later a reliable source confirms the Man City scoreline. So a chance of Wycombe stealing a point is on the cards. Another five minutes later it’s 2 - 0 Wycombe and we search for confirmation of this one. Yes it is true.
Half time arrives no goal in this one and a 2 - 1 scoreline at Maine Road. Can Wycombe hold on? I doubt it. We didn’t get the Preston score so I tried to forget the fact that they were playing.
The second half was really tense and the notable silence from Maine Road made merely served to up the tension another notch. That is until with twelve minutes remaining he only went and did it again.
Latching onto an Andy Rammell through ball, he broke through the Lincoln back line, sat the keeper on his arse, dribbled round him, slotted into an unguarded net and ran towards his adoring people.
Boooooooooooom! Pandemonium.
Super Darren Wrack had delivered again. I honestly can’t think of a more passionate celebration. I can rarely remember what I’m thinking when we score but this was at a different level. Now when you see people going mental as the Pope touches them and you don’t understand what the fuss is about then you won’t really follow the next bit. It was like that. A maul of grown men, myself included began to race into the area of the terrace/pitch where three or four green shirts were celebrating.
A packed away terrace went absolutely mental. A small child stood in my way or otherwise I’d have been one of the first there. A loss of acceleration and a quick side-step had cost me a vital half second and I had to make do with trying to get a touch of our goalscoring hero.
There were others who arrived later than me who didn’t even get a sight let alone a sniff of those sweaty green shirts but it didn’t matter.
We'd done the hard bit, now all we had to do was hold on for twelve minutes. Twelve very long minutes. In the twelfth and final minute the reserve official raised the overtime card. I never knew they did on that long! It had a six on it but for all the pressure I felt it could have said Tuesday.
Despite the huge amount of extra time we made it through to the final whistle unscathed and now it was time for mobile phones and even more mobile radios to break our hearts.
Wycombe couldn’t hold on could they? And what did Millwall have to gain from beating Preston?
And than we knew.
Unbelievably, Wycombe had held on for the result of the day and Millwall repaid their Auto Windshield debt by coming back from 2 - 0 down with six minutes to go to snatch a point.
It wasn’t relief and it wasn’t joyous celebrations, it was just kind of strange. Perhaps because as Walsall fans we’ve been raised to expect the worst, I don’t know, but there was a pungent aroma of success in the air. Suddenly two points are all we require from our final three games and should City and North End fail to win any of their final two fixtures then we have already done enough.
"Only two more points” someone said to me. What’s all this “only” I replied. As always, the pessimist but the ride home was a mighty nice one.
Fri 23rd April
The Brissett saga has gone a little quiet over the past 48 hours and Ray has decided to keep the punishment in house.
Personally, I reckon there’s more to this incident than we’re being told. Footballers are usually not the brightest of people but even Jason Brissett isn’t totally stupid. Following all his warnings and threats he still turned round and smacked his opponent on the nose. Whatever was said, it certainly hit a raw nerve.
There is no clear reason for JB’s actions and this is the bast I can come up with. One question though - If Ray is going to sack him how on earth will he keep this secret?
A big game tomorrow. We make the shortish trip to Lincoln City with both Clubs in real need for the spoils. The Imps return to the Second Division looks like being the briefest of stays and we are still looking for the first three of the eight points required for us to leave the Second Division, albeit by the much happier exit.
With Wycombe travelling to Maine Road tomorrow and Millwall hosting Preston we require three points to hold our own. I’d love to see Wycombe get a nil - nil’er but realistically Millwall are our main hopes when it comes to stealing a point or three.
Personally, I reckon there’s more to this incident than we’re being told. Footballers are usually not the brightest of people but even Jason Brissett isn’t totally stupid. Following all his warnings and threats he still turned round and smacked his opponent on the nose. Whatever was said, it certainly hit a raw nerve.
There is no clear reason for JB’s actions and this is the bast I can come up with. One question though - If Ray is going to sack him how on earth will he keep this secret?
A big game tomorrow. We make the shortish trip to Lincoln City with both Clubs in real need for the spoils. The Imps return to the Second Division looks like being the briefest of stays and we are still looking for the first three of the eight points required for us to leave the Second Division, albeit by the much happier exit.
With Wycombe travelling to Maine Road tomorrow and Millwall hosting Preston we require three points to hold our own. I’d love to see Wycombe get a nil - nil’er but realistically Millwall are our main hopes when it comes to stealing a point or three.
Wed 21st April
Ray spells it out to Brissett in black and white and it went along the lines of;
He has been warned about his conduct.
The club has bent over backwards to help him overcome such indicipline.
The manager has no wish to associate himself with this type of behaviour.
If video evidence convicts him of striking the opponent then the repercussions are that either Brissett or Graydon will leave the Football Club.
Now I know that our board are sometimes a little slow on the uptake but no prizes for guessing which one will go.
As for the game itself, Ray also plays down the significance of last night’s defeat by stating the fact that we still control our own destiny and he expected such slip ups on the way home.
The reserves, who I haven’t mentioned lately, win again and are in with a chance of promotion into a league that isn’t going to exist. I’m informed that the big boys don’t want to play with us and going to play on their own therefore breaking up the Central League.
He has been warned about his conduct.
The club has bent over backwards to help him overcome such indicipline.
The manager has no wish to associate himself with this type of behaviour.
If video evidence convicts him of striking the opponent then the repercussions are that either Brissett or Graydon will leave the Football Club.
Now I know that our board are sometimes a little slow on the uptake but no prizes for guessing which one will go.
As for the game itself, Ray also plays down the significance of last night’s defeat by stating the fact that we still control our own destiny and he expected such slip ups on the way home.
The reserves, who I haven’t mentioned lately, win again and are in with a chance of promotion into a league that isn’t going to exist. I’m informed that the big boys don’t want to play with us and going to play on their own therefore breaking up the Central League.
Tue 20th April - Preston North End
So we need eight points from four games instead.
Preston beat us tonight by the odd goal and to rub salt into a painful wound the ever irritating Simon Gregan got the winner. Not a classic by any means but that would have mattered little had we managed to scrape a point from somewhere.
The truth is we didn’t look like getting anything out of the game and Preston were worthy winners.
Sure we had a goal disallowed for offside when the Preston defenders hadn’t tried for offside and the referee didn’t give us anything all night but we just didn’t play. The goal came courtesy of a crossed free kick and an unlucky bounce off Ada which fell nicely to Gregan six yards out. He did what he had to and twenty minutes later Brissett did what he shouldn’t have.
Following a disputed corner call which clearly came off the full back Alexander, Brissett turned round, exchanged verbals and concluded the brief chat by chinning the PNE full back. hopefully he was showered, changed and well clear of the dressing room by the time Mr Graydon entered it.
Preston beat us tonight by the odd goal and to rub salt into a painful wound the ever irritating Simon Gregan got the winner. Not a classic by any means but that would have mattered little had we managed to scrape a point from somewhere.
The truth is we didn’t look like getting anything out of the game and Preston were worthy winners.
Sure we had a goal disallowed for offside when the Preston defenders hadn’t tried for offside and the referee didn’t give us anything all night but we just didn’t play. The goal came courtesy of a crossed free kick and an unlucky bounce off Ada which fell nicely to Gregan six yards out. He did what he had to and twenty minutes later Brissett did what he shouldn’t have.
Following a disputed corner call which clearly came off the full back Alexander, Brissett turned round, exchanged verbals and concluded the brief chat by chinning the PNE full back. hopefully he was showered, changed and well clear of the dressing room by the time Mr Graydon entered it.
Sun 18th April
In a game that we really should have been contesting Millwall make their post war Wembley debut in front of 40000 of their fans and 8000 of Wigan’s. I’m not going to go into detail of how pathetic taking only 8000 fans to Wembley is because they must know it for themselves. Pathetic Athletic and their Pathetic fan base. Even the ‘only on a big match day glory boy attendees’ couldn’t give a toss for Wigan. Little Wigan also had the bare face cheek to win game. Three minutes into injury time into the bargain. Ouch!
Sat 17th April - Macclesfield Town
Well we did our bit. A 2 - 0 win was all that we required but what about the others?
Preston’s poor current form continued when they lost to a late Blackpool winner but Manchester City produced the result of the day with a two nil victory at the Priestfield Stadium. Preston currently look out of the automatic promotion chase but they will know that we are going there on Tuesday night and a home win would ease them back into the chase.
City are on fire though. One defeat in twenty one games and something like fifty points out of sixty three in that time. They also look pretty certain to win their last three games into the bargain and so the equation for us is all very simple. We require eight points from our last five games to achieve the impossible. Everyone’s favourites for relegation need three wins to pip everyone’s favourites for promotion.
Say it quickly and it sounds easy. Think about it for long and it becomes a rather tougher task. Back to today’s game though.
The first half was incredibly tense and as word of Blackpool’s early kick off victory filtered through the home ranks the tension seemed to increase by another notch. The players looked almost as tight and basically scraped their way through a poor first half with the visitors looking the much brighter side.
Tension is a strange feeling though. As Rob Stiener converted a Rammell flick on and we took the lead the pressure release was incredible. You can’t smell, see, touch, hear or taste it but you know when it’s there and equally you know when it’s gone. For the next twenty five minutes we dominated the game and in addition to a Rammell sidefooted goal we had a couple of efforts ruled out.
The last fifteen minutes was all about protecting three priceless points and ensuring we picked up no injuries before Tuesday night. City may have taken the result of the day but it’s a long way back from Kent when, following such a cracking result, you still can’t make inroads into the lead of your rivals.
Preston’s poor current form continued when they lost to a late Blackpool winner but Manchester City produced the result of the day with a two nil victory at the Priestfield Stadium. Preston currently look out of the automatic promotion chase but they will know that we are going there on Tuesday night and a home win would ease them back into the chase.
City are on fire though. One defeat in twenty one games and something like fifty points out of sixty three in that time. They also look pretty certain to win their last three games into the bargain and so the equation for us is all very simple. We require eight points from our last five games to achieve the impossible. Everyone’s favourites for relegation need three wins to pip everyone’s favourites for promotion.
Say it quickly and it sounds easy. Think about it for long and it becomes a rather tougher task. Back to today’s game though.
The first half was incredibly tense and as word of Blackpool’s early kick off victory filtered through the home ranks the tension seemed to increase by another notch. The players looked almost as tight and basically scraped their way through a poor first half with the visitors looking the much brighter side.
Tension is a strange feeling though. As Rob Stiener converted a Rammell flick on and we took the lead the pressure release was incredible. You can’t smell, see, touch, hear or taste it but you know when it’s there and equally you know when it’s gone. For the next twenty five minutes we dominated the game and in addition to a Rammell sidefooted goal we had a couple of efforts ruled out.
The last fifteen minutes was all about protecting three priceless points and ensuring we picked up no injuries before Tuesday night. City may have taken the result of the day but it’s a long way back from Kent when, following such a cracking result, you still can’t make inroads into the lead of your rivals.
Fri 16th April
The point of no return comes tomorrow. Manchester City have their last real toughie at Gillingham and Preston entertain Blackpool in a local derby. We on the other hand are visited by relegation favourites Macclesfield Town and simply have to win.
If the others win then fair play to them and we go on to the next set of fixtures, but if we drop points and they win then we really will be on the ropes. We simply can’t afford to drop points tomorrow.
I worry that the crowd may be a problem tomorrow as they'll come expecting a landslide like last seasons FA cup tie and that simply isn’t going to happen. As long as we score one more goal than the Silkmen then we’ll be OK.
Come on Gillingham.
If the others win then fair play to them and we go on to the next set of fixtures, but if we drop points and they win then we really will be on the ropes. We simply can’t afford to drop points tomorrow.
I worry that the crowd may be a problem tomorrow as they'll come expecting a landslide like last seasons FA cup tie and that simply isn’t going to happen. As long as we score one more goal than the Silkmen then we’ll be OK.
Come on Gillingham.
Wed 14th April
Andy Watson has apparently accepted an offer to play international football for god knows who in a FIFA approved tournament in god knows where. Apparently he leaves asap and won’t be back until the end of the season. Uncle Ray reminded him that he still had to win a contract for next season and Andy decided to go. A brave decision. Still international football is international football irrespective of whether you’re competing against teams with the quality of Brazil or the Fullbrook and, if we’re honest, we all would have been tempted by the offer.
Andy Watson’s career at Walsall Football Club looks over though and although he didn’t really pull up too many trees at Bescot Stadium he’ll always be remembered for felling a Forest. A fantastic night where for a couple of hours we re-entered the mid 1980s. The original Cup kings of the lower divisions were back, Frankie Goes To Hollywood were number one again and the miners were back out on the picket line. Hell, even Simon Le Bon was cool for a while.
Fashions change just about every year, players move on every couple of years and we even get a result at Wigan occasionally but the feeling of cup glory never changes.
The feeling as you topple one of the big boys is exclusive to terminal lower divisioners and thankfully it can’t be bought or sold anywhere. The feeling that reminds you that however bad it gets, supporting this little club with an even smaller budget is the only thing you ever want to do. If I ever lose this feeling then please feel free to kill me. The Forest game was that special and whilst it belongs to all of us, it was undoubtedly Andy Watson’s night.
If we have seen the last of Andy Watson well farewell and good luck fellow Saddler.
Elsewhere, Luton manage to hold out for a full three minutes at Maine Road before succumbing to Manchester City. Cheers lads.
Andy Watson’s career at Walsall Football Club looks over though and although he didn’t really pull up too many trees at Bescot Stadium he’ll always be remembered for felling a Forest. A fantastic night where for a couple of hours we re-entered the mid 1980s. The original Cup kings of the lower divisions were back, Frankie Goes To Hollywood were number one again and the miners were back out on the picket line. Hell, even Simon Le Bon was cool for a while.
Fashions change just about every year, players move on every couple of years and we even get a result at Wigan occasionally but the feeling of cup glory never changes.
The feeling as you topple one of the big boys is exclusive to terminal lower divisioners and thankfully it can’t be bought or sold anywhere. The feeling that reminds you that however bad it gets, supporting this little club with an even smaller budget is the only thing you ever want to do. If I ever lose this feeling then please feel free to kill me. The Forest game was that special and whilst it belongs to all of us, it was undoubtedly Andy Watson’s night.
If we have seen the last of Andy Watson well farewell and good luck fellow Saddler.
Elsewhere, Luton manage to hold out for a full three minutes at Maine Road before succumbing to Manchester City. Cheers lads.
Tue 13th April - Bournemouth
A clean sheet. All we needed was a clean sheet and we only went and got one.
Although I’ve never doubted the character of this side I was genuinely worried about this one. We couldn’t afford to lose and yet again, when our backs were up against the wall, we pulled out another clean sheet.
Possibly the most important clean sheet of the twenty one we’ve managed this season and it came from another stunning defensive performance.
In all honesty Bournemouth were never going to score and the performances of Marsh, Pointon, Viveash and Roper were absolutely top rank. Stein never really figured, drifting back beyond the halfway line in search of both the ball or space to play and eventually fizzled out of the game. The always impressive Fletcher didn’t get a sniff all night and when your next choice is Monsieur Boli then you really are running out of ideas.
Boli didn’t even make the squad for this one, mores the pity. If only I knew the French translation of “The grass really is greener on the other side”. I used to really despise Roger Boli but in the same way that hatred turned to comedy with the mid 80’s Wolves side I simply laugh at him now. Not such a clever move was it Rog?
Oh, I almost forgot, we only went and scored.
Yep, collecting possession midway inside his own half Darren Wrack attacked the heart of Bournemouth and his run concluded with the ball smashed into the back of the home net as Dazzer lost interest in turning the number four inside out and beautifully drilled the ball home from fully 25 yards. It was one of those “go on Dazzer, go on Dazzer, go on Dazzer, go on Dazzer, GO ON DAZZER...Fuck me he’s scored...YYEEEEESSSSSS” goals. Goal of the Season.
One of those goals, indeed one of those nights that make visits to Colchester and Wigan worthwhile.
Although I’ve never doubted the character of this side I was genuinely worried about this one. We couldn’t afford to lose and yet again, when our backs were up against the wall, we pulled out another clean sheet.
Possibly the most important clean sheet of the twenty one we’ve managed this season and it came from another stunning defensive performance.
In all honesty Bournemouth were never going to score and the performances of Marsh, Pointon, Viveash and Roper were absolutely top rank. Stein never really figured, drifting back beyond the halfway line in search of both the ball or space to play and eventually fizzled out of the game. The always impressive Fletcher didn’t get a sniff all night and when your next choice is Monsieur Boli then you really are running out of ideas.
Boli didn’t even make the squad for this one, mores the pity. If only I knew the French translation of “The grass really is greener on the other side”. I used to really despise Roger Boli but in the same way that hatred turned to comedy with the mid 80’s Wolves side I simply laugh at him now. Not such a clever move was it Rog?
Oh, I almost forgot, we only went and scored.
Yep, collecting possession midway inside his own half Darren Wrack attacked the heart of Bournemouth and his run concluded with the ball smashed into the back of the home net as Dazzer lost interest in turning the number four inside out and beautifully drilled the ball home from fully 25 yards. It was one of those “go on Dazzer, go on Dazzer, go on Dazzer, go on Dazzer, GO ON DAZZER...Fuck me he’s scored...YYEEEEESSSSSS” goals. Goal of the Season.
One of those goals, indeed one of those nights that make visits to Colchester and Wigan worthwhile.
Mon 12th April
Now following a blank return on Saturday we’re really under pressure to deliver tomorrow.
An away game at Bournemouth isn’t what I’d have chosen to follow Saturday but the league programme isn’t about pick and mix. Indeed if there are wounds from Saturday what better way to deal with them than visit the best home side in the division in a crunch six pointer?
Bournemouth currently have 15 home wins to their name and have only lost once since the Auto Windscreen Nightmare that was Big Jan’s swansong. You can’t really fancy us to win with a home record like theirs but if we keep a clean sheet we won’t lose and they certainly need to beat us more than we need to beat them.
Seven games to go. This is where it begins to get serious.
An away game at Bournemouth isn’t what I’d have chosen to follow Saturday but the league programme isn’t about pick and mix. Indeed if there are wounds from Saturday what better way to deal with them than visit the best home side in the division in a crunch six pointer?
Bournemouth currently have 15 home wins to their name and have only lost once since the Auto Windscreen Nightmare that was Big Jan’s swansong. You can’t really fancy us to win with a home record like theirs but if we keep a clean sheet we won’t lose and they certainly need to beat us more than we need to beat them.
Seven games to go. This is where it begins to get serious.
Sat 10th April - Colchester Utd
I fucking hate everything that is the South East of England. Colchester United, Southend United, Gillingham, their fans, the crap grounds, the lack of facilities, Thatcher’s Britain, the A14, fat kids in Arsenal kits, white stillettos, Lindsay Dawn Mackenzie, David Sullivan, overpriced beer and never ever winning here.
I also hate breaking down and missing the first twenty five minutes without beer being involved and I really hate losing 1 - 0 to a deflected goal from a dodgy free kick. Yes, it was a nightmare all round.
We left Great Barr at 12:59 and were on the outskirts of Shitsville at around ten past three. The first half sped by , not quite as quickly as Al’s driving mind, but quickly just the same. It’s funny how frustrating it can be when you’re missing the game because you’re trying to get there. When you are sat in a boozer with pint in front of you and the clock showing loads past three it’s not that distressing.
Anyway we didn’t really get going until the second half and when Rob Stiener missed right in front of goal that was us done. I can’t be bothered to write about the dirty bastard full back who spat into the crowd or the animal did a ‘hatchet job’ on Pointon’s leg.
As for Lua-Lua - he had a very impressive game but the name Boli-Boli springs to mind and quite honestly they are welcome to them both. A bad day, move on.
I also hate breaking down and missing the first twenty five minutes without beer being involved and I really hate losing 1 - 0 to a deflected goal from a dodgy free kick. Yes, it was a nightmare all round.
We left Great Barr at 12:59 and were on the outskirts of Shitsville at around ten past three. The first half sped by , not quite as quickly as Al’s driving mind, but quickly just the same. It’s funny how frustrating it can be when you’re missing the game because you’re trying to get there. When you are sat in a boozer with pint in front of you and the clock showing loads past three it’s not that distressing.
Anyway we didn’t really get going until the second half and when Rob Stiener missed right in front of goal that was us done. I can’t be bothered to write about the dirty bastard full back who spat into the crowd or the animal did a ‘hatchet job’ on Pointon’s leg.
As for Lua-Lua - he had a very impressive game but the name Boli-Boli springs to mind and quite honestly they are welcome to them both. A bad day, move on.
Fri 9th April
Colchester United are a shitty club. They're small time, long ball, slum dwelling, apprentice cockneys and to make it worse we’ve got to go there tomorrow.
It’ll be the same old story. Crappy away end, one toilet, no pies and mockney banter. The crowd at Layer Road always appears to be more interested in annoying the away fans than watching their own teams pitiful attempt at football and to make it worse we always conspire to get beat here into the bargain.
Hence I’m not totally looking forward to tomorrow afternoon and not all that hopeful of coming away with anything. Colchester United - Northampton Town without the finesse.
It’ll be the same old story. Crappy away end, one toilet, no pies and mockney banter. The crowd at Layer Road always appears to be more interested in annoying the away fans than watching their own teams pitiful attempt at football and to make it worse we always conspire to get beat here into the bargain.
Hence I’m not totally looking forward to tomorrow afternoon and not all that hopeful of coming away with anything. Colchester United - Northampton Town without the finesse.
Wed 7th April
Why do Manchester City keep on winning? There’s a large shadow appearing over our promotion drive and it’s the boys in the luminous green away kit. I could understand if it was green with envy at the exploits of Fergie's lot, but not this green. Even the Incredible Hulk wasn’t as green as this monstrosity.
Perhaps the Football League could deduct points for a disgraceful attempt at being both fashionable and fluorescent. I’ve seen lollypop ladies better disguised than blokes in this abomination.
Back to the main question however - why must they keep on winning? Why wont they just drop a few points and politely fade out of an automatic promotion challenge? Please.
Perhaps the Football League could deduct points for a disgraceful attempt at being both fashionable and fluorescent. I’ve seen lollypop ladies better disguised than blokes in this abomination.
Back to the main question however - why must they keep on winning? Why wont they just drop a few points and politely fade out of an automatic promotion challenge? Please.
Tue 6th April - Wrexham
This wasn’t ever going to make or break the season but in many ways there could only be one positive result. Defeat wouldn’t have been terminal but in reality we simply had to win.
The first half was a strange one with Wrexham being reduced to ten men and Walsall seemingly happy to throw the ball up to Andy Rammell in what appeared nothing more cultured than route one football. Chances were scarcer than intelligent Wolves fans and the general standard of football was pretty poor.
A clearly edgy and jittery Walsall showing mirrored by a very nervous home terrace. The realisation that as a Club we're in danger of achieving something special has hit home now and I’m sure we’re in for more than one nervy 45 minutes over the next four weeks. The Wrexham sending off was as black and white as they come with some nutter midfielder trying to launch Wracky onto the car park outside. The other ten players knew the score and didn’t bother to dispute the decision.
As for chances, there weren’t any. The second half was little better but two statistics told the story. Wrack crossed, Stiener headed home to give us the lead and we kept a clean sheet. Essentially game was crap, the performance was poor and in the end the difference between success and failure was about the inch gap under the crossbar that Stiener's header filled.
The last flurry of second half injury time saw a corner headed onto the bar, bounce out and be hooked back in, Keates(I think) cleared off the line again, hooked back in and cleared off the line again. The final whistle then sounded and the points were again ours.
Had we suffered another injury time equaliser then the Samaritans would have had a very busy night in the 01922 area.
The first half was a strange one with Wrexham being reduced to ten men and Walsall seemingly happy to throw the ball up to Andy Rammell in what appeared nothing more cultured than route one football. Chances were scarcer than intelligent Wolves fans and the general standard of football was pretty poor.
A clearly edgy and jittery Walsall showing mirrored by a very nervous home terrace. The realisation that as a Club we're in danger of achieving something special has hit home now and I’m sure we’re in for more than one nervy 45 minutes over the next four weeks. The Wrexham sending off was as black and white as they come with some nutter midfielder trying to launch Wracky onto the car park outside. The other ten players knew the score and didn’t bother to dispute the decision.
As for chances, there weren’t any. The second half was little better but two statistics told the story. Wrack crossed, Stiener headed home to give us the lead and we kept a clean sheet. Essentially game was crap, the performance was poor and in the end the difference between success and failure was about the inch gap under the crossbar that Stiener's header filled.
The last flurry of second half injury time saw a corner headed onto the bar, bounce out and be hooked back in, Keates(I think) cleared off the line again, hooked back in and cleared off the line again. The final whistle then sounded and the points were again ours.
Had we suffered another injury time equaliser then the Samaritans would have had a very busy night in the 01922 area.
Mon 5th April
Preston vs Man City ends all square as they share a couple of goals and suddenly our destiny is well in our own hands. Nine game to go and I reckon by avoiding defeat at Deepdale and winning five games out of the other eight we’ll be promoted automatically.
To say we’re certainties for the play offs would be a little presumptuous knowing how badly we’ve fallen away in the past but there would surely be a stewards enquiry should we miss out on the post season party all together.
Wrexham are the visitors tomorrow and if we keep our heads and don’t go blindly chasing the game we ought to be looking at maximum points. However until we reach the final whistle in the lead I won’t be counting any chickens. Fingers crossed though.
To say we’re certainties for the play offs would be a little presumptuous knowing how badly we’ve fallen away in the past but there would surely be a stewards enquiry should we miss out on the post season party all together.
Wrexham are the visitors tomorrow and if we keep our heads and don’t go blindly chasing the game we ought to be looking at maximum points. However until we reach the final whistle in the lead I won’t be counting any chickens. Fingers crossed though.
Sat 3rd April - Blackpool
In the promotion season of 94/95 we were in a similar position, the chasing pack were breathing right down our necks and we visited Doncaster needing both a good performance and a win. The latter was obviously key but we did need to put something like a decent performance in to banish the doubts and help the confidence out.
We won 2-0 with a stylish display that ended in a canter.
That day in April was one of two or three key dates in that month and was probably the first body blow that Chesterfield had suffered in many weeks. Eventually they buckled and the door was sufficiently ajar for us to kick it off the hinges.
Well we’ve done it again. We needed a result like hell today and following Darko’s early strike and Bjarne’s second half contribution we won without needing to go through the gears. It probably helped that the Blackpool fans didn’t really care too much about the result, probably due to the fact that Preston are the side we’re chasing. It also doesn’t do us any harm when the team we’re playing are down to the absolute bare bones or that their Boardroom is a bit of a joke with the son replacing his mother who replaced her husband who...and so on.
Still, a win is a win and the three points will come in very handy thanks. The match itself pretty much became a non event after Darko’s rather sparkling opener. He intercepted a pass from the full back and beat two or three players before tidily slotting the ball home. From there on in we appeared more interested in protecting both what we had and our energy levels than chasing a landslide victory and with another game on Tuesday night that may well be very important.
We also drank an absolute shed full of beer. God bless Saturday afternoons in Blackpool.
That day in April was one of two or three key dates in that month and was probably the first body blow that Chesterfield had suffered in many weeks. Eventually they buckled and the door was sufficiently ajar for us to kick it off the hinges.
Well we’ve done it again. We needed a result like hell today and following Darko’s early strike and Bjarne’s second half contribution we won without needing to go through the gears. It probably helped that the Blackpool fans didn’t really care too much about the result, probably due to the fact that Preston are the side we’re chasing. It also doesn’t do us any harm when the team we’re playing are down to the absolute bare bones or that their Boardroom is a bit of a joke with the son replacing his mother who replaced her husband who...and so on.
Still, a win is a win and the three points will come in very handy thanks. The match itself pretty much became a non event after Darko’s rather sparkling opener. He intercepted a pass from the full back and beat two or three players before tidily slotting the ball home. From there on in we appeared more interested in protecting both what we had and our energy levels than chasing a landslide victory and with another game on Tuesday night that may well be very important.
We also drank an absolute shed full of beer. God bless Saturday afternoons in Blackpool.
Fri 2nd April
Following the quietest week of the season we’re back in full swing from 3pm tomorrow.
Now when the good lord created Walsall Football Club he also had to create the lower divisions. To have created a successful WFC would have been far too easy. He also decided to create shitholes such as Wigan, Chesterfield, Scarborough, Brentford and Peterborough. It was decided that the followers of such club’s should spend the entire Autumn, Winter and Spring visiting such crappy places and, more often than not, losing there into the bargain.
But then God had a top idea - he decided to make Blackpool equally crap. So now, if you were one of the big boys who cared little for the likes of the aforementioned teams you didn’t get the annual piss up in Lancashire. Whereas if you're like us at least you get the one weekend per season that makes up for the other thirty nine.
Unless of course you support Blackpool and then it’s all a bit naff every weekend.
Fortunately, Walsall seem to have got a Spring date in Lancashire pretty sewn up now as the fixture computer tends to be pretty kind to us and rarely sends us up there in january or February. It’s the least we deserve however, not least because if we hadn’t have done the tangerines for promotion on two occasions in the 1990’s Blackpool could have been lost to the lowers divisions.
WFC charitably denying the rich to please the piss poor. In a Friday night game Colchester do us a big favour and beat Preston by the odd goal. Now that's a long ride home when you’ve blown three points. Hopefully we’ll have a shorter trip back from there next week
Now when the good lord created Walsall Football Club he also had to create the lower divisions. To have created a successful WFC would have been far too easy. He also decided to create shitholes such as Wigan, Chesterfield, Scarborough, Brentford and Peterborough. It was decided that the followers of such club’s should spend the entire Autumn, Winter and Spring visiting such crappy places and, more often than not, losing there into the bargain.
But then God had a top idea - he decided to make Blackpool equally crap. So now, if you were one of the big boys who cared little for the likes of the aforementioned teams you didn’t get the annual piss up in Lancashire. Whereas if you're like us at least you get the one weekend per season that makes up for the other thirty nine.
Unless of course you support Blackpool and then it’s all a bit naff every weekend.
Fortunately, Walsall seem to have got a Spring date in Lancashire pretty sewn up now as the fixture computer tends to be pretty kind to us and rarely sends us up there in january or February. It’s the least we deserve however, not least because if we hadn’t have done the tangerines for promotion on two occasions in the 1990’s Blackpool could have been lost to the lowers divisions.
WFC charitably denying the rich to please the piss poor. In a Friday night game Colchester do us a big favour and beat Preston by the odd goal. Now that's a long ride home when you’ve blown three points. Hopefully we’ll have a shorter trip back from there next week
Thu 25th March
So it was a hoax. The cheque book coming out! I mean really!
The last time we paid for two players in one season was so far back it made the Doomsday Book.
We did however sign two players. Rob Stiener from Bradford City (via Q.P.R.) and Nick Henry from Sheffield United. We were also trying to sign a left winger from Crystal Palace but he decided to sign for a pub team in Tattersville instead. I really do hope he does well for them.
Also the Andy Tilson trial came to nothing but we’ve got an attacker and a midfielder in though and to say I’m happy would be an understatement. We now have a first team squad of 22 players which has to be the biggest we’ve had in many seasons. The fact that have a full week to bed into the team will also help matters.
Exciting times, eh!
The last time we paid for two players in one season was so far back it made the Doomsday Book.
We did however sign two players. Rob Stiener from Bradford City (via Q.P.R.) and Nick Henry from Sheffield United. We were also trying to sign a left winger from Crystal Palace but he decided to sign for a pub team in Tattersville instead. I really do hope he does well for them.
Also the Andy Tilson trial came to nothing but we’ve got an attacker and a midfielder in though and to say I’m happy would be an understatement. We now have a first team squad of 22 players which has to be the biggest we’ve had in many seasons. The fact that have a full week to bed into the team will also help matters.
Exciting times, eh!
Wed 24th March
Bristol City have recalled Colin Cramb at the end of his month with the mighty Reds so instead of plotting to get out of the second into the first he’ll be doing exactly the opposite.
Bristol City remember have a Swede called Benny as manager. The only other Benny’s I can recall are the hairy one out of ABBA and Benny from Crossroads. Either of these surely could have made a better fist of the Bristol City job though.
Big Ron offers John Gregory a swap deal that proposes Pierre Van Industrialaction move to Villa in direct exchange for the Ulrikakakakaka bashing stresshead. JG turns the offer down though. It has nothing to do with the fact that he doesn’t want to shift Collyless but more to do with the fact that the combined valuation of the deal comes to less than tuppence ha-penny and this fact would seriously damage the egos of many Vile fans.
A question - should today you be offered Andy Rammell, Stanley StressOut or Pierre VanHire which would you take? Exactly.
Bristol City remember have a Swede called Benny as manager. The only other Benny’s I can recall are the hairy one out of ABBA and Benny from Crossroads. Either of these surely could have made a better fist of the Bristol City job though.
Big Ron offers John Gregory a swap deal that proposes Pierre Van Industrialaction move to Villa in direct exchange for the Ulrikakakakaka bashing stresshead. JG turns the offer down though. It has nothing to do with the fact that he doesn’t want to shift Collyless but more to do with the fact that the combined valuation of the deal comes to less than tuppence ha-penny and this fact would seriously damage the egos of many Vile fans.
A question - should today you be offered Andy Rammell, Stanley StressOut or Pierre VanHire which would you take? Exactly.
Mon 22nd March
Transfer deadline day is Thursday and apparently the purse is open and the dust has been brushed off the cheque book. If the right player is available and we have to cough up a fee it looks like we’re prepared to do so. I think I need a lie down.
Sun 21st March
A very tired performance yesterday. No fixtures for a fortnight due to the cancellation of the Fulham game and the re-arrangement of the Preston fixture is probably a good thing. We looked very jaded and if used correctly the break should give us time to recharge batteries and prepare for the final 900 minutes of a magnificent season.
Sat 20th March - Bristol Rovers
Bristol Rovers at home looked a like one of the easier games left to play and at half time I had already added on another three points.
A first minute Rammell goal and a Cramb penalty had the mighty ones well in control of a game they should have gone on to win with ease. The fact that we didn’t was really disappointing and could well prove costly when we put the calculators down on the eighth evening in May.
It’s pretty certain that the sloppy goals frittered away in a desperately tired second half have set the alarm bells ringing again. To throw a two goal lead away, regain the lead and blow it again in the last minute will be a bitter pill to swallow and the way in which the final goal came means we’re trying to swallow cream crackers without water.
Injury time goals are bad enough but when it’s a rebound off your keepers clearance that goes straight in you get the feeling it wasn’t supposed to be your day.
On the scoring front Cramb nearly started a riot as in notching his first goal against his employers arch rivals he decided to let the Rovers fans know how pleased he was. The Rovers fans weren’t at all happy and it got a bit tasty for a while. Sanity soon prevailed though and the visiting fans soon returned to their tractors(or do I mean seats ?).
The proverbial pain in the arse that is Jamie Cureton bagged all three Rovers goals and his continual scoring against the good guys is really irritating me now. A modern day Keith Cassells.
A first minute Rammell goal and a Cramb penalty had the mighty ones well in control of a game they should have gone on to win with ease. The fact that we didn’t was really disappointing and could well prove costly when we put the calculators down on the eighth evening in May.
It’s pretty certain that the sloppy goals frittered away in a desperately tired second half have set the alarm bells ringing again. To throw a two goal lead away, regain the lead and blow it again in the last minute will be a bitter pill to swallow and the way in which the final goal came means we’re trying to swallow cream crackers without water.
Injury time goals are bad enough but when it’s a rebound off your keepers clearance that goes straight in you get the feeling it wasn’t supposed to be your day.
On the scoring front Cramb nearly started a riot as in notching his first goal against his employers arch rivals he decided to let the Rovers fans know how pleased he was. The Rovers fans weren’t at all happy and it got a bit tasty for a while. Sanity soon prevailed though and the visiting fans soon returned to their tractors(or do I mean seats ?).
The proverbial pain in the arse that is Jamie Cureton bagged all three Rovers goals and his continual scoring against the good guys is really irritating me now. A modern day Keith Cassells.
Fri 19th March
We welcome Bristol Rovers to Bescot tomorrow in the return fixture of possibly our bravest performance so far this term.
A 4 -1 drubbing at Fulham the week before meant that at five past three the following Saturday, 2 - 0 down, our season had arrived at it’s first crossroads. Somehow we won the game and in reality haven’t looked back since. Defeat at Bristol Rovers would have given our season the setback many of us expected but the boys have gone from strength to strength proving all the doubters, myself included, wrong.
With eleven games left and a healthy cushion between ourselves and seventh place it appears inconceivable that we miss out on the end of season shake up. Three wins should secure a play off berth and that has to be within our capabilities but the form of Preston and Man City is currently very impressive. The automatic spot is going to take some winning and currently I reckon we may need as many as 90 points.
A 4 -1 drubbing at Fulham the week before meant that at five past three the following Saturday, 2 - 0 down, our season had arrived at it’s first crossroads. Somehow we won the game and in reality haven’t looked back since. Defeat at Bristol Rovers would have given our season the setback many of us expected but the boys have gone from strength to strength proving all the doubters, myself included, wrong.
With eleven games left and a healthy cushion between ourselves and seventh place it appears inconceivable that we miss out on the end of season shake up. Three wins should secure a play off berth and that has to be within our capabilities but the form of Preston and Man City is currently very impressive. The automatic spot is going to take some winning and currently I reckon we may need as many as 90 points.
Thu 18th March
Rammell looks like he’s going to make the weekend so praise be the lord. Currently a Walsall without Andy Rammell is unimaginable. We missed him like hell on Tuesday and it may be a case of playing him through his injury until we get to May.
The transfer deadline is now a week away and there are signs of activity on the player front. Andy Tilson, a target of Uncle Ray’s before we signed Richard Green, is training with us alongside another couple of players. Now Ray was keen to get Tilson in August so there could well be movement on this one.
I suspect he'll be looking for two or three new bodies for the run in.
The transfer deadline is now a week away and there are signs of activity on the player front. Andy Tilson, a target of Uncle Ray’s before we signed Richard Green, is training with us alongside another couple of players. Now Ray was keen to get Tilson in August so there could well be movement on this one.
I suspect he'll be looking for two or three new bodies for the run in.
Wed 17th March
It finally sunk in at around 9:30 this morning.
I was OK until then but the realisation that the dream had again turned into a nightmare began to hit home. I wasn’t devastated this time but I still felt pretty numb. That penalty miss was, in the end, as expensive as they come and the one problem with cup football is that you can’t go out and put it right next Saturday.
On the positive side we now have eleven games and thirty three points to go at. Three wins would certainly see us in the play offs but following the latest WFC balls up we really ought to be aiming for automatic promotion. Maybe, just maybe, we lost the battle last night but our win on Saturday could prove to be the difference in winning the war.
Going for the play offs leaves a little too much to chance for a battle scarred Saddler.
I was OK until then but the realisation that the dream had again turned into a nightmare began to hit home. I wasn’t devastated this time but I still felt pretty numb. That penalty miss was, in the end, as expensive as they come and the one problem with cup football is that you can’t go out and put it right next Saturday.
On the positive side we now have eleven games and thirty three points to go at. Three wins would certainly see us in the play offs but following the latest WFC balls up we really ought to be aiming for automatic promotion. Maybe, just maybe, we lost the battle last night but our win on Saturday could prove to be the difference in winning the war.
Going for the play offs leaves a little too much to chance for a battle scarred Saddler.
Tue 16th March - Millwall
Fuck. Fuckety, fuckety, fuckety, fucking bollocks.
Fuck.
Where exactly do I start? How about we’ve done it again or it’s the bridesmaids dresses again then.
We saved the poorest performance of the season right until the moment we really didn’t need it and then produced it big time. Passes went astray all night we defended like the Pleck under 12 girls reserves and created bugger all. Brissett and Cramb were the front two with Wrack and Darko on the wings.
Millwall had done their homework and in ensuring they nullified Wrack and Cramb they were willing to concede ground to Darko and Brissett in the knowledge that the chances of damage from these two was limited. Their midfield plan was the same. Stop Keates and force our play to go through Pingu. He then either misplaced passes or tried one of those irritating dinks over the back four for their keeper to swallow up all night.
Up front they were mobile and continually made our back line turn. We’re clearly not the most mobile or pacy back line, hence the deep defending when we’re holding onto a one goal lead and Millwall took full advantage of this. Their front two never stood still and their general movement and pace was a constant menace. Had they had their shooting boots on then they would have had a hatful.
They eventually opened the scoring just after the half hour with probably their fourth real chance. Others had been wasted, blocked or well saved but our luck was going to run out at some stage and this was it. A quickly taken free kick caught us sleeping and the subsequent cross was finished off at the second attempt by Sadlier. That he decided to celebrate in front of the home fans by taking the piss out of us was unnecessary however and I really do hope that someone returns a similar favour to him one day.
Inevitably (albeit somewhat understandably) the Millwall fans also went over the top with the first of three pitch invasions. Basically any real chance we had of a trip to North London on April 18th evaporated with this moment and the smoke began to rise from the smouldering ashes of another Wembley fuck up. With two goals required for extra time let alone victory we were never in with a chance. Although if our equaliser had come in the 80th minute instead of the 90th then you wouldn’t have put your mortgage on the Lions holding out.
The problem was it did come in the 90th minute and with only one minute of added time left it was too little too late. For what it’s worth Siggy scored his first Walsall goal from a close range header.
Does anyone know the number for the Samaritans? Bridesmaids yet again.
Fuck.
Fuck.
Where exactly do I start? How about we’ve done it again or it’s the bridesmaids dresses again then.
We saved the poorest performance of the season right until the moment we really didn’t need it and then produced it big time. Passes went astray all night we defended like the Pleck under 12 girls reserves and created bugger all. Brissett and Cramb were the front two with Wrack and Darko on the wings.
Millwall had done their homework and in ensuring they nullified Wrack and Cramb they were willing to concede ground to Darko and Brissett in the knowledge that the chances of damage from these two was limited. Their midfield plan was the same. Stop Keates and force our play to go through Pingu. He then either misplaced passes or tried one of those irritating dinks over the back four for their keeper to swallow up all night.
Up front they were mobile and continually made our back line turn. We’re clearly not the most mobile or pacy back line, hence the deep defending when we’re holding onto a one goal lead and Millwall took full advantage of this. Their front two never stood still and their general movement and pace was a constant menace. Had they had their shooting boots on then they would have had a hatful.
They eventually opened the scoring just after the half hour with probably their fourth real chance. Others had been wasted, blocked or well saved but our luck was going to run out at some stage and this was it. A quickly taken free kick caught us sleeping and the subsequent cross was finished off at the second attempt by Sadlier. That he decided to celebrate in front of the home fans by taking the piss out of us was unnecessary however and I really do hope that someone returns a similar favour to him one day.
Inevitably (albeit somewhat understandably) the Millwall fans also went over the top with the first of three pitch invasions. Basically any real chance we had of a trip to North London on April 18th evaporated with this moment and the smoke began to rise from the smouldering ashes of another Wembley fuck up. With two goals required for extra time let alone victory we were never in with a chance. Although if our equaliser had come in the 80th minute instead of the 90th then you wouldn’t have put your mortgage on the Lions holding out.
The problem was it did come in the 90th minute and with only one minute of added time left it was too little too late. For what it’s worth Siggy scored his first Walsall goal from a close range header.
Does anyone know the number for the Samaritans? Bridesmaids yet again.
Fuck.
Mon 15th March
The news on Rammell is good but not that good. He will probably be back for the weekend but has no chance for tomorrow night. This is a boost for our league programme but at the same time a pisser for our hopes of making Wembley. Obviously Rambo gives the frontmen a focal point and apart from his goal and leadership qualities we’ll miss his presence in defence.
I’m not overly sure we have enough goals in the side to win the game by three or four goals so I reckon a clean sheet is essential and assuming they will come and defend their lead we should, if we don’t get sloppy, be capable of getting one. The nerves are OK and it’s eyes down and all to play for.
I’m not overly sure we have enough goals in the side to win the game by three or four goals so I reckon a clean sheet is essential and assuming they will come and defend their lead we should, if we don’t get sloppy, be capable of getting one. The nerves are OK and it’s eyes down and all to play for.
Sun 14th March
Concern is sweeping through our house as the forces of evil make their way into a play off position. They really have appeared from nowhere and have put a decent run together.
Villa on the other hand couldn’t manage to hold onto to a moderately sloppy steamer at the moment let alone a point as they go down to a last gasp goal at Tottenham and the slide continues. Shame really.
Villa on the other hand couldn’t manage to hold onto to a moderately sloppy steamer at the moment let alone a point as they go down to a last gasp goal at Tottenham and the slide continues. Shame really.
Sat 13th March - Millwall
Our second trip to New Cross in four days and another big game. This was clearly more low key for the home side as the crowd was about half of the Tuesday night fixture and substantially quieter.
This time we didn’t play at all well but we managed to take the spoils. Colin Cramb opened his Saddlers account, finding the net when no -one expected him to (a penalty), and doubling his and our tally following a woeful pass-back from the Millwall full back. We managed to donate another goal to the pissy defending association following a poor attempt to clear our lines after a corner bang on half time.
In the second half we rode our luck and escaped with the points as our new star defender Joey Woodwork came to the rescue with three or four last ditch clearances.
Captain for the day, in the absence of Neil Pointon, was Ian Roper. In twelve months the development of this lad is astonishing. At exactly this weekend a year ago he produced possibly the poorest performance of his career in an all round desperate 0 - 3 reverse at Grimsby. Twelve short months later he led his side onto the field. Well done Ropes.
This time we didn’t play at all well but we managed to take the spoils. Colin Cramb opened his Saddlers account, finding the net when no -one expected him to (a penalty), and doubling his and our tally following a woeful pass-back from the Millwall full back. We managed to donate another goal to the pissy defending association following a poor attempt to clear our lines after a corner bang on half time.
In the second half we rode our luck and escaped with the points as our new star defender Joey Woodwork came to the rescue with three or four last ditch clearances.
Captain for the day, in the absence of Neil Pointon, was Ian Roper. In twelve months the development of this lad is astonishing. At exactly this weekend a year ago he produced possibly the poorest performance of his career in an all round desperate 0 - 3 reverse at Grimsby. Twelve short months later he led his side onto the field. Well done Ropes.
Wed 10th March
Uncle Ray says he still fancies us to get through but he’s more concerned with the fitness of Andy Rammell. Not only is he doubtful for the next two parts of the Millwall trilogy but possibly a few weeks to come. Ouch.
Tue 9th March - Millwall
We lost. Not irreversibly, as has been the general rule up until now, but we still lost.
Hell we even managed to lose a goal off a poxy fucking corner inside the first five minutes. Now if there’s anything we have managed to learn under Uncle Ray’s guidance then it’s the ability to defend set pieces and to keep the first fifteen minutes of away games as tight as the proverbial duck’s arse.
Inevitably we had to change all that tonight. Fewer than 200 seconds had elapsed when a Millwall corner was headed in unchallenged from around the penalty spot. The home crowd were up for it well before this went in but after it they were baying for more. Visions of a wet Sunday afternoon in Cheshire appeared in my mind but to their credit the Saddlers weathered the oncoming storm. I’m not overly sure that the players knew how they did it but they did.
As the first half passes the crowd became less involved and the boys began to get the ball on the ground as pass it around as they can. Half time came and the deficit was still only one goal. A clean sheet in the second half would do but if we got a chance we needed to take it.
The chance was soon to come. A wonderful mazy run by Wrack, beating four or five Millwall players on the way through was crudely interrupted by Roberts in the home goal. Wrack had taken the ball around him and was about to prod the ball into an unguarded net when the goalkeeper recovered enough balance to remove his feet from underneath him.
A penalty, a red card for the offender no Millwall reserve keeper on the bench and thirty minutes still to play. The tie had it’s first defining moment. Well all these statements are correct with one exception. No red card. Not even a yellow card as the referee decided that a spot kick was punishment enough. Quite when the official received clearance to ignore the basic laws of football I’m not sure but ignore them he did. Yeah, rules are meant to be broken but there are no rules in football. There are only laws and the law is the law.
I can honestly say I've never felt more cheated by a referee’s decision. This was like violation. He had no right to interpret the law as he saw fit. A professional foul is a red card offence. No arguments, no grey areas, no second chance and no doubt about it. Now either he bottled it under pressure from the home crowd or he made what he though was the correct decision. If it was the first one he was wrong and he shouldn’t be allowed to officiate at this level again. If it was the second reason then he was wrong and he shouldn’t be allowed to officiate at this level again.
As if to rub salt into a fairly open wound Pointon’s subsequent penalty was saved by the legs of a very fortunate goalkeeper. We also hit the bar, had a goal ruled out and were generally the better side after the 20 minute mark but we got nil. 0 - 1 means we’re still alive but should we concede first next Tuesday then in all probability it’ll be game over.
Hell we even managed to lose a goal off a poxy fucking corner inside the first five minutes. Now if there’s anything we have managed to learn under Uncle Ray’s guidance then it’s the ability to defend set pieces and to keep the first fifteen minutes of away games as tight as the proverbial duck’s arse.
Inevitably we had to change all that tonight. Fewer than 200 seconds had elapsed when a Millwall corner was headed in unchallenged from around the penalty spot. The home crowd were up for it well before this went in but after it they were baying for more. Visions of a wet Sunday afternoon in Cheshire appeared in my mind but to their credit the Saddlers weathered the oncoming storm. I’m not overly sure that the players knew how they did it but they did.
As the first half passes the crowd became less involved and the boys began to get the ball on the ground as pass it around as they can. Half time came and the deficit was still only one goal. A clean sheet in the second half would do but if we got a chance we needed to take it.
The chance was soon to come. A wonderful mazy run by Wrack, beating four or five Millwall players on the way through was crudely interrupted by Roberts in the home goal. Wrack had taken the ball around him and was about to prod the ball into an unguarded net when the goalkeeper recovered enough balance to remove his feet from underneath him.
A penalty, a red card for the offender no Millwall reserve keeper on the bench and thirty minutes still to play. The tie had it’s first defining moment. Well all these statements are correct with one exception. No red card. Not even a yellow card as the referee decided that a spot kick was punishment enough. Quite when the official received clearance to ignore the basic laws of football I’m not sure but ignore them he did. Yeah, rules are meant to be broken but there are no rules in football. There are only laws and the law is the law.
I can honestly say I've never felt more cheated by a referee’s decision. This was like violation. He had no right to interpret the law as he saw fit. A professional foul is a red card offence. No arguments, no grey areas, no second chance and no doubt about it. Now either he bottled it under pressure from the home crowd or he made what he though was the correct decision. If it was the first one he was wrong and he shouldn’t be allowed to officiate at this level again. If it was the second reason then he was wrong and he shouldn’t be allowed to officiate at this level again.
As if to rub salt into a fairly open wound Pointon’s subsequent penalty was saved by the legs of a very fortunate goalkeeper. We also hit the bar, had a goal ruled out and were generally the better side after the 20 minute mark but we got nil. 0 - 1 means we’re still alive but should we concede first next Tuesday then in all probability it’ll be game over.
Mon 8th March
The injury to Bjarne isn’t as serious as expected and it even looks as if he could be available for tomorrow night’s game.
Talking of which it’s prayer mats at the ready as the mighty Saddlers attempt for the fourth time to allow me to achieve my personal ambition and see the finest team the world has ever seen appear from the tunnel, cross the dirt track, dodge the advertisement boards and set foot on the green, green grass of Wembley Stadium.
Nine days from now I’ll either be queuing for either a Auto Windscreen Final ticket or a Cyanide pill. Which will it be ?
Talking of which it’s prayer mats at the ready as the mighty Saddlers attempt for the fourth time to allow me to achieve my personal ambition and see the finest team the world has ever seen appear from the tunnel, cross the dirt track, dodge the advertisement boards and set foot on the green, green grass of Wembley Stadium.
Nine days from now I’ll either be queuing for either a Auto Windscreen Final ticket or a Cyanide pill. Which will it be ?
Sat 6th March - Luton Town
This could have been called off at any time before 2pm this afternoon. Snow and rain combined to turn our already bare pitch into a muddy field. it was kind of like time travelling back to the Baseball Ground in the mid 70’s.
For Frannie Lee and Charlie George cue Dean Keates and Andy Rammell. Darren Wrack could have been wearing a pair of white boots but it was so muddy we couldn’t tell. To both sides credit both teams attempted to play the ball on the floor and neither side reverted to just hoofing it upfield and bypassing the mud.
A point that Ray Graydon made after the game when he said that “today, the way we tried to play football, made all I have done here worthwhile”. High praise and to be fair the referee made it possible by accounting for the conditions and allowing fouls to be punished by free kick alone. Had he started with an early booking we could have finished with two or three red cards. Sensible refereeing, FIFA should put a stop to it.
The game itself was hardly a classic, conditions saw to that, but we won. The winning goal coming from the outside of Darren Wrack’s right foot following a through ball from an improved Colin Cramb and a short mazy run by Dazzer. He feigned to shoot two or three times and confused the hell out of the goalkeeper who was frozen on the spot when the ball crossed the line.
It was again one of those days when we had three or four chances and needed to take one of them. Rarely will we create 15 or 20 chances in a game so it is critical that when they come we take them. Rammell and Cramb appear to be linking up well and today offered signs of an understanding between them. Let’s hope so.
Luton plodded along but we were relatively safe after we had weathered an early storm and we were well worth the win. The only negative thing to come out of the game was a worrying injury to Pingu who limped out of the action at half time. With the possibility of a long lay off for Bjarne, the ongoing problems of Kiester and the transfer of Gary Porter we’re suddenly very short in midfield -neither Thomas or Keates is over 5’ 6”. Seriously though we haven’t got another recognised central midfielder and this could be a problem.
For Frannie Lee and Charlie George cue Dean Keates and Andy Rammell. Darren Wrack could have been wearing a pair of white boots but it was so muddy we couldn’t tell. To both sides credit both teams attempted to play the ball on the floor and neither side reverted to just hoofing it upfield and bypassing the mud.
A point that Ray Graydon made after the game when he said that “today, the way we tried to play football, made all I have done here worthwhile”. High praise and to be fair the referee made it possible by accounting for the conditions and allowing fouls to be punished by free kick alone. Had he started with an early booking we could have finished with two or three red cards. Sensible refereeing, FIFA should put a stop to it.
The game itself was hardly a classic, conditions saw to that, but we won. The winning goal coming from the outside of Darren Wrack’s right foot following a through ball from an improved Colin Cramb and a short mazy run by Dazzer. He feigned to shoot two or three times and confused the hell out of the goalkeeper who was frozen on the spot when the ball crossed the line.
It was again one of those days when we had three or four chances and needed to take one of them. Rarely will we create 15 or 20 chances in a game so it is critical that when they come we take them. Rammell and Cramb appear to be linking up well and today offered signs of an understanding between them. Let’s hope so.
Luton plodded along but we were relatively safe after we had weathered an early storm and we were well worth the win. The only negative thing to come out of the game was a worrying injury to Pingu who limped out of the action at half time. With the possibility of a long lay off for Bjarne, the ongoing problems of Kiester and the transfer of Gary Porter we’re suddenly very short in midfield -neither Thomas or Keates is over 5’ 6”. Seriously though we haven’t got another recognised central midfielder and this could be a problem.
Fri 5th March
The visitors to Bescot tomorrow are Luton Town. It wasn’t all that long ago that the Hatters would regularly find league football taking a back seat on FA Cup Quarter Final weekend. How time can change things. Like us they were embroiled in a relegation battle last season but unlike us their season is going nowhere this time.
We on the other hand could do with three points tomorrow for more than one reason. The scars from last weekend would heal and we could do with a launch pad for the next eleven days. With two top half teams in league fixtures and a double header vs Millwall in a Wembley or bust situation these are without doubt the most important eleven days so far this season. To be truthful I don’t really care too much about tomorrow or next Saturday.
The two midweek games are far more important on a personal level. I’ve been this close to Wembley three times before and each time we’ve blown it. Bournemouth last season and the Milk Cup Semi of 1984 were lost at home but the most disappointing one was the play off game at Crewe. Losing 5 - 1on a Sunday afternoon after we had done the double over them in April was a hard pill to swallow.
They say the season lasts for 46 games and we took it a little too literally. I was convinced that we would do them but it wasn’t to be. I only hope we don’t mess it up again. This time I don’t fancy us though.
We on the other hand could do with three points tomorrow for more than one reason. The scars from last weekend would heal and we could do with a launch pad for the next eleven days. With two top half teams in league fixtures and a double header vs Millwall in a Wembley or bust situation these are without doubt the most important eleven days so far this season. To be truthful I don’t really care too much about tomorrow or next Saturday.
The two midweek games are far more important on a personal level. I’ve been this close to Wembley three times before and each time we’ve blown it. Bournemouth last season and the Milk Cup Semi of 1984 were lost at home but the most disappointing one was the play off game at Crewe. Losing 5 - 1on a Sunday afternoon after we had done the double over them in April was a hard pill to swallow.
They say the season lasts for 46 games and we took it a little too literally. I was convinced that we would do them but it wasn’t to be. I only hope we don’t mess it up again. This time I don’t fancy us though.
Tue 2nd March
The youth team failed to overcome a strong West Ham side in last night’s FA Youth Cup. No shame in this though as the Hammers are currently leading the way in youth football and have won their respective Academy League by 19 points.
Mon 1st March
Now I’ve heard some rubbish in my time but this is a cracker. Jesus Gil that famous, if not, notorious sacker of football managers is reportedly on the verge of approaching Villa for the services of no other than Mr Gregory. He’s sacked a coach of international standing and quality and is probably looking for a short term joker.
Sun 28th February
“Villa’s season hit’s rock bottom” scream the tabloids. Now if rock bottom was a female then we could anticipate the inclusion of you know who in the story, or if rock bottom was a type of lager or class A drug then we could suspect another member of the squad but apparently it’s the home defeat by Coventry City that’s left them at rock bottom.
Conversely, the 1 -4 reverse in the Sky Blues first league win at Vile Park has left the rest of the West Midlands in a state on rejoicement. No longer will we have to see John Gregory as the natural successor to Kevin Keegan. Although doing a bit of job at a poxy southern lower league club was his speciality before making a mess of a poxy Preeeemieeer league Club.
Perhaps this bad run is all part of a masterplan for the dark side of the county to avoid qualification for the run of the mill Champions League and give them more chance of qualifying for the more glamorous and prestigious UEFA Cup. Their words not mine. Or are they aiming for the Inter-Toto Cup?
Sat 27th February - Notts County
For probably the first time under the guidance of Uncle Ray we’ve managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
Just when you dared think that the days of inevitable defensive indicipline and poor organisation were gone we go and throw away a game we had no right to win but were going to regardless of possession or dominance.
Losing at Fulham or Manchester City was far less painful as we were basically blown away on both occasions but today we had the confidence to know that although we were obviously knackered and being outplayed, that the goal we had would be enough if we could scrap and hang in there.
Unfortunately the game lasts for ninety and not seventy five minutes.
Now I know this is verging on blasphemous but dare I suggest that Uncle Ray got it wrong this afternoon. I know I have very defined football philosophies and if they were all stuck to then we’d never win a game in a month of Sunday’s but, to me, if your back four is working - don’t change it. Ever.
Evans for Darko with Marshy switching to left wing was basically suicide. Fair enough I can see that UR was trying to rest legs and that the older players looked shattered but we’ve not got a midweek game this week.
Surely another 30 minutes wouldn’t have done the damage that Notts County inflicted on us in that last, painful fifteen minutes.
Again the doubts arise. I know some people are still expecting automatic promotion but for me the top six is our realistic target and in achieving that goal we have to take something from places like Meadow Lane.
Rammell ‘s strike for what it’s worth was fantastic. Put through by Pointon and one on one with the keeper I fancied either the keeper or the defenders but Rambo proved me wrong for the umpteenth time since the autumn with a fine strike across the keeper, leaving the net bulging as he wheeled away in triumph. The only pity was that we didn’t go on and make it count. Let’s hope we learn from this and use the midweek break to rest mental as well as physically.
On a brighter note the forces of evil also saw a win escape their desperate clutches as Huddersfield equalise as the injury time board goes up. It’s about the only thing that’s going up in wolverhampton this season.
Fri 26th February
Someone is having another go at poor old DVS in the local media. No prizes for guessing who it is though.
Apparently we’ve gone and loaned Colin Cramb of Bristol City and I’m informed that he’s a striker. A bit of a surprise is this one. Now had I been Uncle Ray then I’d be pushing like hell for a midfielder because Bjarne is being carried along by Deano at the moment and the loss of Porter leaves Wayne Thomas as the only ready made replacement for this position. On the other hand who am I to question the wisdom of Uncle Ray ?
Notts County tomorrow and a visit to a very unhappy hunting ground. Meadow Lane has only yielded one positive result for the mighty Saddlers in all the visits I’ve made but I suppose it was the important one. Semi final’s of the play off’s are fairly important games and the David Kelly inspired Saddlers came back from an early deficit to win 3 - 1. Kelly twice and the Shakespeare with the other on a very hot Sunday afternoon. Happy times.
We really could do with a win tomorrow but following the positive result on Tuesday night a point would probably suffice.
Thu 25th February
The comeback of Richard Green is on as he turned out for the reserves against Chesterfield. I don’t know the final score but the fact one our key players is available again is far more significant
Tue 23rd February - Northampton Town
I got my ticket and had a rather fine evening. Route One is an understatement for these cowboys.
Someone said they Northampton make Chesterfield look like Real Madrid and in many ways they hit the nail on the head. The Cobblers are the most direct team I think I have ever seen and considering we saw the Beck incarnations of both Cambridge and Preston and the Devon White inspired Bristol Rovers then that is truly saying something.
Northampton are the only side I have ever seen who see defending a corner kick as a genuine attacking opportunity. I’ve never seen a team move the ball into the oppositions last third as quickly and effectively as these. Only when the need for brawn is lessened and the requirement for skill and imagination comes into play do they struggle.
The key to tonight was seeing out the first twenty minutes bombardment and going on to build on that success. We did just that. After negotiating the aforementioned blitz we started to make the ball stick upfront as Rammell and Brissett came more into the game. The midfield didn’t need to be won as the home side didn’t really have one and as Keates in particular drove the ball between defence and attack a goal became more and more likely.
The half finished kind of petered out as we negated all that Northampton could muster and then as the whistle arrived a couple of blokes, apparently wolves fans, took a beating right behind the goal. Ouch.
Come the second half and come the man. Enter Siggy Icelander, a new six foot three inch centre forward straight out of the Adolf Hitler order book of perfect breeds. Not an ounce of fat on this boy believe me and he had a pretty decent half.
“Siggy’s off the Beechdale” takes the award for best song of the season so far and he certainly won the crowd over. Rammell, as ever, was immense both in defence and in attack and inevitably the goal revolved around him.
A hopeful hack upfield with AR and a defender challenging for a 50/50 ball. The Ram not only won the ball but made it stick and got the move going. Seconds later he was in the box and heading towards goal. A most helpful home keeper spilled a regulation catch and Darko followed in to open his Saddlers account.
One nil up and twenty two minutes to hang on would be nailbiting but I really fancied us. They huffed and they puffed but our back four isn’t made of sticks. We held out and took our ninth league away win. Not bad for a side with a dodgy away record, eh Mr Instone.
Uncle Ray would have loved this one in particular though. The good guys overcoming the evil that is route one and a clean sheet to boot. It probably doesn’t get any better than this.
Fulham, PNE and Gillingham also win so this was a really important result for us. Man City in fifth place are now ten points behind us with a game in hand and Stoke in seventh are fifteen points behind us. To say things are looking good is probably the cue for the self destruct button to be pressed so I won’t.
Mon 22nd February
Tomorrow night offers a trip to Northampton assuming that I can arrange a replacement ticket. The Dragon, usually such a reliable and sensible bird, recently decided to clear out all the bits of rubbish that I leave lying around the house and in seeing the date on tomorrow night’s ticket as 15-01-99 she decided to bin it.
The only problem being the match on that date was postponed and re-arranged for tomorrow night. To say I flipped would be an understatement. As for the game we should know what to expect. Direct, Direct, Direct to paraphrase the PM.
We usually capitulate under the type of pressure that route one imposes but I reckon Rambo, Ada, Deano and Wacka will really be looking forward to righting a few wrongs tomorrow night. I reckon we could win this one but also fear the worst, so I’d probably take a point if it was offered. However I’d really love to roll these fuckers over.
Sun 21st February
Let’s just hope that DVS isn’t reading the papers as the geezer who told him to ignore all the crap in them makes another telling contribution.
This time it’s along the lines of “Why the fuck did we blow seven million on this Joker ?”
The answer, which incidentally didn’t sit alongside the question, is - because you’re a bunch of arrogant Brummie tossers who understand little about the word quality in “quality players” but seem to thrive on the words “expensive, overrated and former England...”. They must be pissing themselves in Liverpool.
This time it’s along the lines of “Why the fuck did we blow seven million on this Joker ?”
The answer, which incidentally didn’t sit alongside the question, is - because you’re a bunch of arrogant Brummie tossers who understand little about the word quality in “quality players” but seem to thrive on the words “expensive, overrated and former England...”. They must be pissing themselves in Liverpool.
Sat 20th February - Chesterfield
Chesterfield made the relatively short visit to Bescot. Now when we go to their place we use the A38 & M1. Do they come the same way or simply take the route one option?
Again we didn’t play that well but this time we had to do it the hard way as we lost a goal inside the first ten minutes off a corner. By my reckoning this was the first goal we had conceded off a corner this season which after 40 odd games is a bit of an achievement. I suppose it had to come at some time but so early in a tough game was very unfortunate. It knocked us out of our stride and the Spireites clearly dominated the rest of the first half.
Just as it was looking as we would need two to win in the second half Sir Andy levelled matters. Darko finally managed a telling cross and Rambo stole in at the back post to head into an empty net.
Half time came within seconds and I really fancied us to go on and take the game. However it was not to be. Rammell had a certain goal tipped over by Billy Mercer and the keeper also denied Roper from a set piece. It wasn’t the most memorable of games but I suppose that with events of last Tuesday night and the directness of the famous CFC this was never going to be a classic. One point gained rather than two lost I reckon.
Elsewhere Fulham retake top spot with a 2-1 win at home to Notts County and Preston lose. Manchester City make it eight games unbeaten with their fifth win in that period and are making ominous moves towards the automatic places. We have been warned.
Oh and wolves lose in apparently harsh circumstances at Sunderland. Now where have I heard that before.
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