Welcome. This site is an archived version of the previous UpTheSaddlers forum (December 2004 to May 2018). To visit the new UTS website, please click here.

Chesterfield (a) - League - 18th September 2004

Reports and reaction from the 2004-05 season as Walsall finished 14th in League 1
User avatar
Andy
UTS Regular
 
Posts: 128
Joined: Tue Dec 07, 2004 10:55 am
Location: Willenhall

Chesterfield (a) - League - 18th September 2004

Tue Dec 07, 2004 11:47 am

By Magic Man Fan (81.155.26.10) on Friday, September 17, 2004 - 07:31 pm: Edit

My prediction 2-1 to the Saddlers with a nailbiting end but we hold on for 3 points which will start a run of 5 wins from 7 games.

By Andrew Curl (82.37.161.105) on Friday, September 17, 2004 - 07:38 pm: Edit

I sincerely hope you're right.

By SheffieldSaddler (172.189.231.229) on Friday, September 17, 2004 - 07:58 pm: Edit

Desperately want a Saddlers win. But can you honestly see it against Chesterfield?
Yet to lose at home, having won 3 and drawn 1.
They will no doubt be very physical and play the long ball.
I fear the worst. But hope I am proved wrong.

By Magic Man Fan (81.155.26.10) on Friday, September 17, 2004 - 08:15 pm: Edit

I think the long ball will suit Emblen and Bennett and even Roper if he plays. It won't be easy but we've had some good games against them in the past and some good wins. Hope this is where we turn the corner.

By Neil Ravenscroft (82.37.185.68) on Friday, September 17, 2004 - 08:37 pm: Edit

I've gone for 2 - 1 for us in the match preview on thesaddlersfc, purely on the basis of them having two first choice defenders suspended (tells you a lot about the way they play) and may be missing another through injury.

By Geordiesaddler (195.92.168.172) on Friday, September 17, 2004 - 09:43 pm: Edit

Let's be honest the next three games are must win games. Chesterfield, Brentford, and Huddersfield?
If after those we are still down the bottom then regardless of how early it is or how slow Plymouth started I'm afraid it will be time to forget all about promotion under Paul Merson. An absolute minimum of 7 points required, and that's if we get a dodgy ref in one of the games.

By JPD (203.18.34.5) on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 03:45 am: Edit

I think Chesterfield are punching well above their weight and with the 2 defenders that got sent off against Luton out I go with the 2-1 or whatever win.
Otherwise what Geordie said.

By dler (82.152.45.15) on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 11:47 am: Edit

Should be bags of goals as their defence is in disarray due to suspensions and we don't have a clue defensively. Predict 5-4, but not sure to whom.

So that's a banker 0-0 then.

By Fensaddler (82.37.173.138) on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 12:22 pm: Edit

Do tend to agree with you Geordie. It is time to kick on, and the next three anre winnable games. The signs are all there that when we pull it together, we're a good side. The defensive frailty looks like it is receding (cue 4-0 stuffing this afternoon...), and we do have the talent in the side to create chances. One other thing we shouldn't overlook is the size of our squad. Albeit that there is plenty of youth and inexperience, there is also competition for places almost everywhere, and that means players will be under pressure to perform. One thing Merson has got exactly right is the approach of dropping players who have bad games or are out of form - he is getting a clear 'perform or else' message over to the squad.

By Lukeyboy (172.190.176.243) on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 12:29 pm: Edit

Im going for a 1 - 1 draw. Wrack or Fryatt to score our goal.

By Sound_out (81.157.121.105) on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 02:30 pm: Edit

Im going with a very optimistic 1 - 1. I can't see us winning to be honest.

I also don't agree that Chesterfield are punching above their weight, they are a well drilled physical team who will have the confidence to role us over today.

By Walsall Supporter (82.37.192.189) on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 03:26 pm: Edit

well they have scored there 1 goal already 24 mins in, lets hope we can come back yet again and salvage a point ..........or even WIN!

By Megadeth (81.153.129.49) on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 03:58 pm: Edit

Doesn't sound likely listening to the awful commentary on Saddler's World. I mean awful in that the knob who's commentating is just shocking - where's he come from?

By coxanddrummie (195.93.34.9) on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 04:09 pm: Edit

Paul Merson has 40 minutes to save his job. If they lose this one i have a good feeling he's gonna be sacked.

By Walsall Supporter (82.37.192.189) on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 04:47 pm: Edit

and to make matters worse, 10 men wolves are winning 2-1, why can't we come back away and win:-(
And No Zigor in the team either:-((

By wednesfield saddler (82.37.11.150) on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 04:57 pm: Edit

well , 1-0 .is this the beginning of the end for mr merson?

By Megadeth (81.153.129.49) on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 05:03 pm: Edit

Pathetic, has Merse lost the plot playing wright & wrack as full - backs?? 1-0 to the better side. Sick to death of Merse moaning about our defence when the whole team clearly isn't good enough for this division. That also the last time i'm listening to saddlers world because their commentary was total amateur rubbish. 90% of the match was spent with the bloke recapping the score he hasn't got a clue about football - give me five live anyday!

If we are in the top 10 at the end of the season with Merse in charge it'll be a bloody miracle.

By WSOne (81.178.221.71) on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 05:12 pm: Edit

20th in League One.
One place of the relegation zone.
15 points of the league leaders.
Simply not good enough.

By Stu (195.92.67.79) on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 05:12 pm: Edit

Beyond belief, why go on about wanting a settled side and then drop your two fullbacks when neither really did anything wrong last week?

Mark Wright and Darren Wrack as full backs?

All pre-season he went on about the need for high energy midfielders full of running, so he plays himself and two 30+ midfielders...

We're now bottom 5. The positive last week was that we were still only 6pts off 2nd place, now we're 9pts off 2nd place. This weeks positive is that we're still 4 pts ahead of the relegation zone.

10 games gone, things are starting to pan out now.

Somebody needs to wake up quickly at Bescot as this is turning into a joke. I'm glad I didn't go today, but the reason for not going is that I've just lost interest. At least last season the standard was okay, this year I'm having to watch complete •••••.

The one hope we've all had is that we look like we can score goals. Well, let's take this into account. We've scored 5 goals in our last 7 matches, 3 of those came in 1 match. So take Swindon out and we've actually scored just 2 goals in 6 matches.

We can't even say 'we can outscore teams' now as we aren't even doing that.

By Will (212.125.68.234) on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 05:20 pm: Edit

Don't you dare try blaming the players again Merson. We are losing our games due to tactical errors - This is your fault:
Sheffield Weds - why play Dakinah who by all accounts is useless? Why make an effort to sign Broad saying he's fantastic and never play him? Why treat Kris Taylor like a leper? Why change the team constantly? Why play 4-3-1-2 when it's obvious it's not working and giving the opposition lots of space and impetus to attack us down the wings? Why sign Iffy Onoura who has zero experience and only seems able to get sent off from the touchline? From the start of the season I wanted to see a defensive coach with bags of experience to back up Merse. I'm sick to death of Merse coming out and saying he's fed up with his players and not taking any responsibility himself. At the same time he tells the players they're the best in the division and we should be walking it. He hasn't got a F@!king clue what he's doing. At the very least after today Inoura should be shipped out and an experienced coach got in who knows how to shout at players, organise a defence and use tactical nous. Personally I don't think Merse is ever gonna be good enough, I'd like to see him 'encouraged' to stand down and stay as a player and get a decent manager in. Failing this I think he's gotta go now, he's been given a chance and he's clearly not up to it. With the players we have we should at least be able to win the majority of home games and draw away against dross like chesterfield and torquay to finish mid table. Unless he goes now promotion is a pipe dream and we'll be lucky to stay up.

By coxanddrummie (195.93.34.9) on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 06:11 pm: Edit

Just heard Paul Merson on Radio Wm and he said and i quote " The one thing that gets managers the sack is the fans"

What the flaming hell is this man going on about. Does he not think that perhaps his complete incapability to manage a football team may have something to do with him getting the bullet.

He also went on to say "if i go down ill go down dying". Well from the looks of things you will because there isn't a club in the land that will touch someone so incapable.

I didn't go today, im glad i didn't. I heard the team selection and was literally astounded at his choices. Wright at full back, Wrack at full back. It's obvious the man hasn't a clue what he is doing so lets just cut our losses now untill he inflicts real damage at the club.

I said a few weeks back that he should have 10 games in which to improve this side in a very average league where Walsall are cleearly batting below the level they should be. Well now i wouldn't even give him 10 minutes. He's lost his bottle, now it's time for him to lose his job.

By 4two (195.93.34.9) on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 06:25 pm: Edit

I would have usually made the trip to Chesterfield, yet for the first time in my 13-14 years of supporting the Saddlers i just couldn't be bothered. I love Merson, but he is changing the team far to much, and they aren't delivering the goods away from home.

Instead of spending 30 odd quid on a day out in Derbyshire i spent the money on a trip to the Hawthorns to see a competitive Premiership Game between the Baggies and Fulham.

I won't be going away until things improve.

I also heard Mersons comments on the radio. He talks sense and clearly knows whats wrong. The thing is, he doesn't seem to be able to rectify it.

By SheffieldSaddler (172.190.181.46) on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 06:26 pm: Edit

Only 1 thing to say - MERSON OUT.

By The Saddler (195.93.34.9) on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 06:31 pm: Edit

My view here at http://www.4312.blogspot.co m

By SheffieldSaddler (172.190.181.46) on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 06:36 pm: Edit

Why not put your view on here for gods sake?
Afterall it is Steve Roys web site.

By cully (62.255.32.9) on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 06:49 pm: Edit

Chesterfield [proffessional, organised, tactically aware football team with clear objectives] 1 - Walsall [pub team] 0
I'm going out for the evening in search of some entertainment.

By Petra (84.65.50.108) on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 08:40 pm: Edit

Any of you lads notice the players body language today? Is it a female thing watching the 'way' players move? No spring in our step, slouching and lowered heads. The players dont believe. Come on Paul, turn it around for next week. A successful Walsall under Merson would be fantastic for the club. Hed raise our profile significantly. Not happening though is it?

By cheese bag (213.122.253.35) on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 08:43 pm: Edit

Osbourne was terrible today, I even gave him the benefit of the doubt because of the irritating twerp behind me in the seats who was shouting Dingle everytime he touched the ball... but terrible he was.

Positives today, after my bargain coat at Doncaster was the creaminess of the potato in the Meat and potato pies.

Overall, some things never change, just like Chesterfields ground.

By Petra (84.65.50.108) on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 09:12 pm: Edit

I disagree there Cheesbag. Didn't you notice the impressive seats in the stand opposite. Im sure they weren't there last time I visited Chesterfield.

By Petra (84.65.50.108) on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 09:14 pm: Edit

Oh yes and the netting above us. Is that net supposed to catch the falling girders from that rotten roof. Is observation a preserve of the female?

By Lauren (81.79.252.176) on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 09:36 pm: Edit

Will how can you call us dross when we beat you? haha

Sore losers obviously!

By AOLSaddler (195.93.34.9) on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 10:21 pm: Edit

What an absolute joke Walsall FC is becoming...

We have a manager who gets called a "cokehead" by every opposition fan in Britain, we have a captain who falls over, we have a midfield that has 3 identical players in it, we have right wingers playing at left back, we have right wingers playing at right back...and all for no apparent reason.

Merson needs to go now, he doesn't and shouldn't be given a chance. He is shambolic as a leader, shambolic as a manager, and rapidly heading towards being shambolic as a player.

There is no time to p!ss around this season, changes need to happen quickly, efficiently and ruthlessly. We mess around with this decision, we become a mediocre lower league club again, and everything since 1998 and the Graydon/Lee revolutions has gone to waste.

By SheffieldSaddler (172.190.252.225) on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 10:48 pm: Edit

Absolutely SPOT ON.
If anyone can come on here and justify keeping Merson as our manager I will be gob smacked...


By coxanddrummie (195.93.34.9) on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 10:58 pm: Edit

Spot on post there AOL Saddler. I also feel very ashamed and somewhat embarrassed by the fact that a girl called Lauren from Chesterfield has called us bad losers. It just shouldn't be happening should it.

On the subject of Osborne, ive said it time and time again that the man is finished as a player. He can't run and you just can't carry them type of players in the fast moving modern game of today. I also think his position in a coaching role is somewhat laughable. In a nutshell EVERYTHING is just so wrong at this football club at the moment

By Fensaddler (82.37.173.138) on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 11:08 pm: Edit

Sheff, as you and many know on this site, I'm not quick to jump to conclusions, but tonight I feel just as I did the evening after that awful capitulation to Burnley, just before Colin Lee went. The difference is, I wasn't at this match, so I'm working secondhand from WM match reports and comments from fans who were there. But the progress we had hoped for isn't there - and after finding what appeared to be a solid defensive unit (by chance?) last week, we start tinkering with it again this week. I rate both Wrack and Wright as players, and they can both play at full back if required, but we have two decent specialist players to fill those roles. I really thought that the greater organisation against Sheff Wed was a positive sign, something we could build on, but this is sad. But so it seems this season - after the best football for years against Swindon, we roll over in the next match against Doncaster.

Ultimately Sheff, the best I have seen in Merson's favour is one or two comments begging him to turn it around. The rest is despair, and outright calls for change. I fear we may be at the point where change is necessary. Much as I wish it wasn't the case, I find myself agreeing with an awful lot of what Will has posted above.

By ShropshireSaddler (195.92.168.167) on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 11:18 pm: Edit

The big problem in turning it around is that the so-called "experienced" players are the major problem. Is Merson prepared to be ruthless for the sake of the team. Look at the facts;
i) Osborn - just not doing enough but of course he is "player-coach" so can he be dropped?
ii)Kinsella - not impressive but on high wages and likely to be very unhappy at being left out of a 2nd Division side
iii)Merson - as a player, a luxury we can't afford but, of course, he's the manager
iv) Wrack - way off decent form but, for some reason, Merson seems to regard him as a "senior player". He's lucky to have a contract with us based on performances so far.
v) Standing - Merson's great hope for the season but I've seen nothing to impress me yet.
So therein lies the problem - is Merson prepared to upset all of the above by booting them out of the team? I suspect not.

By SheffieldSaddler (172.188.175.9) on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 11:27 pm: Edit

Shropshire - You could also look at it another way. Why are these "experienced" players suddenly under performing?
I would say that is down to the manger personally.

By WednesburyQueensHead (195.93.34.9) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 12:08 am: Edit

Mers should stand down as Manager and concentrate on what is left of his playing career, he is clearly not up to Managing. After another incredible team and tactical line up I think the honeymoon is over, things are on the slide and the players know this. How many changes must the TINKER man make on a weekly basis - he is either without a clue as to who plays where anymore and what our strongest side is.



By Neil Ravenscroft (82.37.185.68) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 12:23 am: Edit

Well, I'd have thought the idea of trying Wright at full back was quite a good one - IN A BLOODY PRE SEASON FRIENDLY! But 10 games into the season is a bad joke.
Too many people seemed to be willing to forgive Merson anything as "at least we're playing attacking football". Well, as Stu pointed out, take Swindon out of the equation, we've scored precisely 2 in 6 games. If that had happened under Lee, everyone would have been yelling for his head. Well, it's happening now and we are showing RELEGATION form in the bloody third division, for God's sake!

By SheffieldSaddler (172.186.178.103) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 12:28 am: Edit

Wright is finished as a player at this football club. Showed a lot of promise early in his career but as gone rapidly down hill.
How on earth Merson can justify playing him today I will never know. Could someone explain this to me?
His performance at Sheffield Wednesday in the cup match was abysmal. As I say, the bloke just has not got it.

By Town Fan (82.47.218.40) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 02:03 am: Edit

Hi there Saddlers, Chesterfield fan here. Havent come onto gloat just to chew the cud about todays match.

I thought today was the proverbial game of 2 halves. First half only 1 team in it and I was dissapointed we only went in at 1 nil up. Second half I thought your lads played some good stuff and Chesterfield seemt to lose their way a bit, a bit of luck in front of goal for you and maybe a point would have been a fair result. Have to say last season I think you would have beat us but McFarland has installed a steely resolve and will to win in some young decent players.

Also have to say I was dissapointed that a flair player that Merson has been through his career would teach a team to be so dirty. I thought u were lucky that you didnt get any sent off, especially Emblen who denied N'Toya a clear chance on goal. Thanks for taking out our best midfielder for at least a month, Kinsella, you dirty Irish twerp. Ironically when you played football and stop trying to end players careers you looked a lot better team.

Anyway 3 points for the Spireites and we are up to 3rd, Walsall I think given a few breaks should be OK for mid table and will pull away from the bottom (compared to what Ive seen of other teams) whether of course that is acceptable to the Walsall fans or not is another matter.

Good luck for the future and best regards.

By Geoff Whiting (84.65.63.179) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 02:49 am: Edit

Some real sense about today's game at last, shame it had to come from an opposition fan, but fair play to you Town Fan. I agree with most of your post, and I agree there were a couple of tackles that needed punishment, but we both know there was plenty of physical stuff from Chesterfield too that went mainly unpunished by a banker "home" referee.

Reading what I have tonight from our own fans, I'd have thought we were played off the park today, and if I'd not been there I might have believed that. What I actually saw was a scrappy goal from one of very few occasions when Paston was seriously tested.

In contrast we ran most of the second half and could and should have come away with at least a point, and we were unlucky to return with nothing from this game. You'll find their keeper was the busier of the two overall, and in the closing stages panic stations set in at the Chesterfield end and the whistle couldn't come soon enough.

We missed, I would conservatively guess, 6 or 7 decent chances in the 2nd half, the miss from Jorge after an amazing run being the hardest to understand, as he had done all the hard work and had a player clear alongside him. with the goal at his mercy, but as usual Jorge failed to feed the ball to him. Several close-in chances followed, and the header over the bar from a late corner must have been easier to score than to miss.

C&D says he's glad he didn't go, I think just the opposite, because from the reports I'd have thought we were outplayed, but by going at least I know we had the better of the game overall and were very unfortunate to leave with nothing.

Where I don't disagree with the general concensus, though, is in Merson's position as manager. I have to seriously start to doubt if he is the man for the job. Great intentions yes, but managerial know-how and ability, I have to doubt very seriously. The changes today were odd to say the least, he seems to want to make several changes every game, so maybe it's not surprising that we are not settling at all in terms of shape or tactics. The end of this month to turn it around, starting with nothing less than a win next week, has become the absolute limit for me, and even that may be too much rope to give him. I don't want to see him sacked on Monday though, I shall hate to see him sacked at all, but I think it's quickly becoming inevitable. Such promise, such a shame it's not working out.



By sj (195.93.34.9) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 08:16 am: Edit

Geoff I saw the same game as you. We were the better side and lost because we didn't take our chances. I'd give Merson three more games because I do think the team is starting to improve.

By Neil Ravenscroft (82.37.185.68) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 08:45 am: Edit

All I can say is that Chesterfield fan summed it up:-

"Walsall I think given a few breaks should be OK for mid table and will pull away from the bottom (compared to what Ive seen of other teams) whether of course that is acceptable to the Walsall fans or not is another matter"

No it isn't and, ny his own admission, it shouldn't be good enough for Merson. Given a few breaks should pull away from the bottom - that's how low we've sunk.

By Geordiesaddler (195.92.67.66) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 10:26 am: Edit

Sorry Geoff and SJ, there's absolutely no way we deserved a point yesterday. Yes we could have got one, because as with Doncaster, Barnsley, Sheff Wed etc etc Chesterfield's finishing was so poor we had the opportunity to go at them in the last 20 minutes when really the game should have been over at half-time. They out passed us (one move in the second hald I counted 11 crisp passes from one end of the pitch to the other before they shot wide), they out-tackled us, they won eveything in the air, they had pace we didn't. They were organised, we were a shambles.

Yesterday we went in against a team shorn of two defenders, so what do we do? Even it up by playing two defenders! Its madness.
Merson said he couldn't play in a team with no pace, so what does he do? plays and picks no player with pace, madness again.

Two weeks ago he said he would pick a more solid, defensive orientated team after the Doncaster debacle, how was yesterday's team selection more solid? Picking two wingers in a back 4 is solid is it?

The bottom line is things are not improving, Merson is not learning, and now the players look downtrodden and defeated. I'm sorry but he Merson "experiment" has been a complete disaster from start to finish. Its time to appoint a proper experienced manager to sort this mess out. Graydon, Ternant, Sturrock, Chris Turner even. Bonser has made a complete balls of the last 9 months, where is he by the way? Gobbing off every five minutes pre-season, all very quiet now isn't he?

By Geordiesaddler (195.92.67.66) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 10:49 am: Edit

Nice to see Chesterfield coppers making such a fuss of Walsall youth yesterday. I thought Michael Jackson had hired Chesterfield town centre for the day when I saw loads of kids being escorted around by camera wielding plod. God knows what it'll be like there when Sheff Wed or such like are in town.

By Mike T. (82.37.88.199) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 11:18 am: Edit

Well I went yesterday for my first away match of the season. I have to admit missing the first 15 or so mins as I misjudged the travelling time and I arrived in time to see Emblen booked and their goal shortly afterwards when it appeared from the seats where I was we again tried to play the offside gane and failed.The rest of the half was poor from our point of view with the guy onloan from Charlton giving us all sorts of problems.
However I would tend to agree with Geoff and Sj in that we dominated second half and deserved a point. Was it Matty Fryatt who put the free header over the bar from Merses corner and Merse should have done better with his header as well.

What worries me is the team selection with the continuing changes. Merse is quoted as saying Bewers will improve with games as his fitness gets better - so he drops him for Wright.(I actually thought Wright had a decent game yesterday and improved as the game went on supporting the attack and the winger from Charlton was not seen so much)
Wracky was wasted at left back as the midfield needs his legs if you are going to play Merson, Osborne and Kinsella. What does he do then but substitute Standing who I thought was doimg Ok when surely Osborne was the one who should have gone. Like many others I dont believe you can play Merse Osborne and Kinsella together.
Maybe you remember the last 15/20 mins more than the start of the game but Chesterfield were hanging on for me somewhat desparately.To try find a positive from the game - Paston continued his recent improvement and looked solid. Julian Bennett was strong and assured - even if he did at one point in the second half seemed to take Ropes out of the game with a crunching tackle!

By Geoff Whiting (81.77.163.73) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 11:36 am: Edit

Then we have to agree to disagree about the result Geordie - as Town Fan says it was a game of two halves, and we definitely ran the second as he seems to agree - in fact he suggested it. One point was there for the taking and I can't be persuaded we didn't deserve it.

I totally agree with you about the rest of your post though, the team selection is truly bizarre. Merson said at the start of the season that he couldn't play 46 games - so he obviously saw himself being rested frequently. If ever there was a game to rest himself, or at least drop to the bench, this was it. Chesterfield have an excellent home record, clearly a tough proposition on their own pitch, always physical and committed, so we all knew we would need to work our socks off. In such games Merson is a liability because he can't contribute that sort of effort and commitment - so what does he do - puts himself in from the off. Unbelievable. The other changes you've high-lighted - couldn't agree more - truly inexplicable.

Cheese bag was obviously sitting close to Chris and myself, judging by the comments about the Osborn/Dingle fan. The guy was on the next row back from us, just to our left, and he drove us nuts. First time I've experienced him, even though I've read about him a few times on here.

Osborn effing Dingle ba$tard useless twerp get the effin' Dingle off the effin' pitch - constant, absolutely endless - and never as I recall said a good word about him or anyone else throughout the whole game. Tall, dark hair, in his 40s, I guess others can confirm if this is the same guy as usual. I can only sit and wonder why he bothers to go to the games.

Strange really, 'cos I thought Osborn got through a lot of work yesterday, even if he isn't always effective in this set-up. The looney "fan" (I use the term loosely) just made me determined to applaud Osborn's efforts and shout more and more support for him.

Finally, £16 to sit on wooden benches in a tin shack, that really was taking the pi$$. We opted to sit it out because we'd had some very heavy rain on the way up there and the terrace is open of course. As it turned out, the weather stayed fine, so we just wish we'd stood on the terrace well away from the Osborn/Dingle twerp, and saved a few quid into the bargain!









By Jorge14 (195.93.34.9) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 11:42 am: Edit

Geoff, you can't even contemplate blaming the referee! He had a good game, infact, he could have flashed a red card to a Walsall player (once again) if he had wanted to.

The referee didn't make our midfield non-existent did he? The referee should have sent Emblen off by rights, and we put in some shocking tackles of our own at times. Jorge was a good 5 yards late with a tackle in the second half, and if that was 50 yards further down the pitch towards our goal, he gets sent off. Kinsella injured one of their midfielders, as Town Fan has said, as well.

We WERE outplayed yesterday! Their strikers absolutely destroyed us, that is unacceptable when we have defenders of the 'calibre' of Emblen, a Division One player who his entire career. Our midfield was non-existent. Merson once again embarrased himself at times, Osborn really felt the force of the fans fury for TWICE losing the ball in the middle of the park when he had at least 5 seconds to pass it. Kinsella really hasn't shown anything like International Pedigree, and Standing was our best midfielder on the day, as he was last Saturday, and it is baffling to me why he was taken off, unless he had an injury.

I've had enough of Paul Merson and his "learning process". As big time Charlie as it may seem, in League One, Walsall FC is just too big a club to learn your trade at. Merson talks the talk, but he falls well short of walking the walk. I was pro-Lee for most of his time at the club, and I criticised the Anti-Lee lot for being so harsh to him at times, but Paul Merson just won't make it at this club.

I REALLY hope I'm proved wrong. I hope that in 3 or 4 months time someone can quote this post and say how wrong I was. But I doubt it will happen. It is win or bust next Saturday Paul, but I've never seen Walsall fans so turned off from going to watch Walsall play as the last few weeks.

By Geoff Whiting (81.77.163.73) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 11:43 am: Edit

Mike T. - you wouldn't by any chance be the young guy who arrived late, sat down and asked an old guy (me) and a young guy (Chris) the score would you ?

Your time of arrival sounds about right to me.

Your point about Bewers is spot-on, Merson seems to say one thing and then do something quite the opposite. Did you also notice when Standing went off that Osborn was limping quite badly but stayed on! Inexplicable.

By Geordiesaddler (195.92.67.66) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 11:52 am: Edit

Geoff, Osborn may have got through some work yesterday, probably in the garden before he got on the team bus. I presume that was why he was too tired to play football at 3pm. He was awful.

Agree entirely with Jorge regarding the non-sendings off. We could easilly have had one or two off yesterday. We were the team playing the big boot and kicking the opposition, they - like Doncaster and Oldham before them - played the fast flowing football that we are supposed to be about, and they played us off the park. The second half was only relevant because we were not 3 or 4 down due to poor finishing and a couple of good saves from Paston (as per Doncaster) who was excellent yesterday. Yesterday and V Donny 3-0 half-time would have been a fair reflection.

By Jorge14 (195.93.34.9) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 11:53 am: Edit

I noticed that Geoff. When he was handed the captains armband in the second half he (attempted to) run over to the bench for a drink. The bloke could hardly move his legs.

Has Osborn already become the Stevie 'Stay on the pitch at all costs' Corica of 04-05?

By Geoff Whiting (81.77.163.73) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 12:12 pm: Edit

Jorge, I never said I blamed the ref, but IMHO he was poor and very much favoured the home side. You obviously don't agree, but I can only point to the ironic cheers from our fans when the ref (occasionally) awarded us a decision to substantiate my case that he was a "homer". He did admittedly seem to give us more towards the end as we pressed forward, but by then Chesterfield were looking a bit desperate at the back and the challenges were going in, so I guess that was bound to happen.

Earlier, their defenders got away with a lot of foul challenges, pushing, pulling and barging. In contrast, virtually everything we did was picked up. Three bookings early on, Emblen I agree on, the others were slightly mis-timed challenges rather than serious foul-play, and could have been dealt with by way of a lecture. Instead we had three players 'on the brink' for a second yellow and a sending off.

We were the poorer team for the first half and the better in the second - Chesterfield fans have said the same so I don't see why that is in doubt. Still, we have to agree to disagree, as several of us have agreed with both points of view.

As for their strikers absolutely destroying us Jorge, come on, how many great saves did Paston make yesterday then? And which team missed the most close-in chances? OK, be pi$$ed-off with Merson's selections and tactics, and with the result, but as far as I can recall the records will show that Paston stopped one decent long range shot in the first half and one half-decent cross shot in the second at a time when they were likely to catch us on the break as we pressed forward. Even in the first-half the best saves came from their keeper - down low at his right hand post - and a defender - who got in the way of (I think) Kinsella's rocket.

The rest of what Paston had to do was IMHO just routine stuff as they were kept at a reasonable distance from our goal most of the time.


By SheffieldSaddler (172.186.16.90) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 01:02 pm: Edit

What dont people understand such a simple situation?
I can accept 1 player having a bad time this season but could someone explain to me why Emblen, Kinsella, Roper, Wrack and Osborn to name just 5, are having a bad season?
These blokes should be walking this division.
It says to me when you have at least 1/2 of your work force not performing to acceptable levels, that there is a problem with the manager.
Not rocket science is it.


By Stu (195.92.67.76) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 01:05 pm: Edit

Don't worry, Merson will sign Mark Williams this week and it'll all be okay. After all, Merson's record of players brought in is 2nd to none.

McKinney - Enough said.
Bewers - Dropped after 1 match
Standing - Not quite sure what he does
Broad - Doesn't get a game
Kinsella - Should be running this level with his eyes closed
Dakinah - Nowhere near ready
Bazeley - Re-signed him and has since tried 2 other players at right back such is his view of Baze.
Birch - He was going to be great this season, isn't even in the XVI on a regular basis.

The only decent signing made is Mark Paston by the looks of it.

If I were JB, dunno if I'd want to sanction any more signings for Merse personally. Espeically a 34 yr old centre half that the 2 MK fans I know are looking forward to him going, as it means he won't be in their defence.

By Mike T. (82.37.88.199) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 02:40 pm: Edit

Geoff - yes it sounds like me but my wife cannot believe the description of "young guy" as I turned 50 in July and the beard is very white. I was with Liam who is 9 and was wearing last year's home shirt. I did indeed ask someone - presumably Chris what the score was as we arrived.

Liam felt the best part of the day was stopping off at the Little Chef on the way home. They do a mean hot dog and chips. We even missed out on a programme due to arriving late. I asked him did he suffer from that gut wrenching feeling in your stomach when we were pressing for the equaliser but Fryatt put the header over and Jorge didn't have the legs to shoot after the run from the half way line. He replied yes but it was cos he was hungry!!
Ah well - next away trip for both of us is Wrexham. Heres hoping for a more positive result but will Merse still be there?

By Magic Man Fan (81.155.26.10) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 03:12 pm: Edit

Quote from Geoff's description of the guy sitting near him - "Osborn effing Dingle ba$tard useless twerp get the effin' Dingle off the effin' pitch "

Take the Dingle bit out which flaws any argument and I agree with the guy 100% Osborn was pathetic yesterday and should be ashamed as an experienced player and coach. Its his and Mersons performances that are letting us down and they should be even more determined to play well with 100% effort as its their jobs as coaches on the line.

Sorry Geoff, we created chances but in my opinion never really looked like scoring like we did when we had waves of creative attacking pressure in early games this season.

FRUSTRATED is the key word for me because we should be doing far better and individual players should be looking at their own performances. I know what you're saying Sheff but the players you mention shouldn't need to be motivated by Merson to play well. They are experienced and responsible enough to play well of their own accord.

As Stu says earlier in the season I was happy with high scoring games as it was good to watch because we were playing some great stuff going forward but not only has the scoring gone but the attacking play that created the goals has gone leaving us with nothing more than we were seeing last season expect in a lower division.

Personally, I'm not bothered like some that is the likes of Chesterfield and Doncaster we're losing to, they had some good players and fully deserved their wins. I'm just p1ssed off that its our own performances that are stopping us from beating them.

If we played as we could we should p1ss this division. I beleive even with the players Merse has bought in that we have a team capable of winning this league. I really beleive that and I understand why Merse has said it. But its not going to happen while Merse is in charge unless he brings in an experienced coach instead of Onoura

It was Onoura who failed to realise that Osborn had been limping for about a minute before he made our last substitution leaving Osborn on the pitch who at the point couldn't even walk. To be honest after yesterday's performance I hope he can't play again. It was clear he was injured so why didn't Onoura see it?

The worst piece of management I have ever seen.

By Magic Man Fan (81.155.26.10) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 03:17 pm: Edit

I'd better add some positives as its not in my nature to be too negative!

If the rest of our players can be as consistent and committed as Paston, Bennett and Jorge we'd be in the top 6 easily.

I was also pleased with Roper when he came on.

I know they were out of position and it was ridiculous to play them there but I felt Mark Wright and Wrack did ok too. I'd perhaps even persist with Wright until Bewers is a lot fitter.

Why play a right midfielder as a left back when Kris Taylor can't even get a game is beyond me though.

By Neil Ravenscroft (82.37.185.68) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 03:32 pm: Edit

The trouble is with your argument about the Manager is that you've destroyed it in the last line. The squad is unbalanced (only two left footed defenders and one left footed midfielder in a squad of 23 - and no defensive midfielder either), none of the coaching staff have any experience or a proven track record, the assistant manager is a sports scientist, we have baffling tactics, ridiculous team selections and incomprehensible substitutions. Now, who carries the can for that lot? I'll give you a clue, he's the Manager and his initials are PM. No one else, irrespective of how the senior players are doing.

By jolly johnny (195.93.34.9) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 03:52 pm: Edit

Bile, absolute bile.

Didn't make it again but once i got a half time text from my bro felt sick. Can't believe the team we put out each week. If we want to get better we must stick with the same players for a least a couple of games.

It appears that a player can have a good game in the reserves and that's justification to be picked for the firsts, the following saturday. So, if we win 4-0 against Scunthorpe reserves on wednesday (for example) those players should then play against the league leaders on saturday. Rubbish.

Look at williams. Has had a few good games and goals for the reserves but when he come into the 1st team the following sat is complete cack.

Playing well in the reserves doesn;t mean you are ready for first team action.

I can't beleive the backroom staff aren't advising Merson (or are they scared of doing so?) or is it that NO-ONE out of the staff have a clue.

Ziggy is a better full back than wrack - one mistake doesn't mean he should be dropped. Baze is better than mark wright at right back - don't just change it for the sake of it or because they play well on wednesday.

Sorry if I'm repeating myself but so much of this seems so obvious! The amount we change our team it's like a school team - giving everybody 'a chance' or scared that someones dad will write a letter in to teacher because his son isn;t getting a game and it's bad for his morale (sorry, you can tell I've had this experience from that last comment!)

Let's just pick our best team, tell them what they should do, tell them what is expected from each and everyone, let them play together and build up an understanding.


By Geoff Whiting (84.64.2.72) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 04:37 pm: Edit

"Let's just pick our best team, tell them what they should do, tell them what is expected from each and everyone, let them play together and build up an understanding."

What a good way to put it jolly johnny - we shouldn't steal your thunder, so can we leave it to you to e-mail Merson, Osborn and Onoura with this sound piece of advice.

All this tinkering is clearly getting us nowhere, well other than lower and lower down the table game on game, that is! As Geordie has said before several times, we want our best players chosen for the team, and we need to play them consistently - and I'd add preferably in a 4-4-2 formation and dump this unworkable 4-3-1-2 where it belongs, down the drain.








By Magic Man Fan (81.155.26.10) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 06:35 pm: Edit

Neil I don't understand your point. I wasn't defending Merson...the opposite in fact.

By Neil Ravenscroft (82.37.185.68) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 06:56 pm: Edit

Sorry, it was the word "positives" that fooled me, because I can see very, very few at the moment. The only place where it's different seem to be on the Rivals site, where they are still so caught up with the fact that Colin Lee has gone, they haven't realised there's any such thing as coffee, let alone smelled it. I even saw a post today that says Lee left the club in such a mess, Merson can't clean it up that quickly. For God's sake, can't people see he's making a complete pig's ear of it and is talking himself about getting the bloody sack now?
What we need now is a Manager who knows what he's doing, or isn't so arrogant as to say he's not going to seek the advice of any Managers he's played for. That could even be Merson, but I doubt it somehow, as he seems to have a self destructive streak five miles wide. If I do this it will be from my own efforts and not by getting advice from Arsene Wenger, or word to that effect in this interview for the Arsenal magazine! What sort of idiotic statement is that?

By Geordiesaddler (195.92.168.165) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 07:38 pm: Edit

Neil I was stood by a few of the rivals lot yesterday and they were having a right good laugh. "Sack Sibley...Bring Alsop on" etc. etc. Oh how funny. That sort of stuff was funny in about 1991 when we were just glad to be in existance. I think some people on there preferred those days so they could say look at me I support a really cr*p team arn't I a real fan. Secretly they hated us being successful and hankered after trips like yesterday. Some of the haircuts looked circa 1991, and those lovely chunky jumpers, remember when I used to go on about them when we were doing well? Like a bunch of 30 somethings that want to go back to being students even though they didn't have a pot to p!ss in back then. Made me want to chuck up.

By Neil Ravenscroft (82.37.185.68) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 08:08 pm: Edit

You mean like certain people who can't refer to Colin Lee, it has to be "Colon" or "Clown", as if it was funny the first time? That's what I mean - they hated him so much, they are in a state of strange euphoria that's almost post coital! And still going on about last season and how boring it was. I'd love to know what's so exciting about being 5th from bottom and playing like relegation candidates.

By wfc_2uk (62.31.217.65) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 08:15 pm: Edit

I dont think I have ever felt so low in the 13 years I have watched the saddlers, even the division 3 era had something about it.
Yesterday we lacked so much against a side that was fihting relegation last season. James Campbell-ryce (on loan) from charlton was the difference yesterday he out paced ozzie (not hard) and ran around Kinsella all day.
Apart from Ropes when he come on,Paston,Bennett and Jorge evryone else was dire. Ozzie played his worse game for walsall he constantly gave the ball away and looked a yard too slow.
Merses honeymoon period is well and truly over.
I cant believe Merse's decision yesterday especially after our defence didnt look too bad at home last week. What happened to the defensive approach after the doncaster game merse?
I think the world of merse but he simply hasnt got it as a manager, he fits into the class player, cack manager section. The whole backroom staff are so inexperienced its unreal. I felt really annoyed and angry when wracky said in the pink last night the players are given the chance to voice their opinions on formations and team selecting. It should ONLY be the manager that picks the team not his players.
Pre-season was a warning to all us lot that we have a manager that cant cut it.

Someone close to the club has informed me merse and Roper have fallen out. If this is true merse is starting to lose the players confidence aswell.
I think merse has got TWO games to save his job and now we will see how much the players want him there!

Bonser took the cheap option AGAIN. If you use cheap batteries they run out before the more expensive lot, i.e merse will be long gone before colin and ray did.

Next Manager- I dont think it is respectful to talk about one why merse is in charge. Neil you moaned at me for mentioning other names before CL got the chop, so lets not bother doing it merse. He will be gone sooner rather than later but until that day comes try not to mention other bosses, eh?

We are in dire straights. JB sort it out.

By cheese bag (81.131.90.84) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 08:52 pm: Edit

Geoff, I was Probably a row or two in front of you, I'm the thirtysomething who usually takes my 2 lads (7&6) but just took the 7 year old yesterday.

By Geoff Whiting (81.79.68.40) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 09:00 pm: Edit

Were you well over towards the right hand wall ( if that's the right word to describe the end of a tin shack ) of the stand cheese-bag ? There was a guy right in front of us with a youngster, could have been you then.

By Phil_G (81.79.243.56) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 09:06 pm: Edit

7 & 6? those are unusual names for your lads, Cheesebag.

By Father Mulcahey (203.167.253.205) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 09:21 pm: Edit

The sign of a good catholic upbringing, perhaps?

By cannock (82.37.171.99) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 11:04 pm: Edit

and i was on the terrace right in front of you near a chap with a woolly jumper. I hope you saw me.

By Geoff Whiting (84.65.124.181) on Monday, September 20, 2004 - 01:56 am: Edit

Yes I saw you Cannock, you were the crowd standing behind the goal weren't you, while I was in the "comfort" of a wooden bench in a circa-1915 grandstand that ought to have been condemned long ago - £16 a seat that was, what a rip-off!

I thought these sort of wooden stands were to go after the Bradford disaster - they're a bl**dy fire hazard and a disaster waiting to happen (again). Fans shouldn't be allowed in until they're replaced. Another case of wrong priorites - stuff the fans and all that!




By cheese bag (195.92.168.175) on Monday, September 20, 2004 - 04:19 pm: Edit

That was me Geoff, I had a blue umbro jacket on.

By Geoff Whiting (84.64.1.161) on Monday, September 20, 2004 - 09:45 pm: Edit

I was so engrossed in the thrills of the game cheese-bag, that I never noticed your designer label.

By the way, just in case you thought the fifty-odd year old geezer behind you was deaf, I'd just mention that it was a radio, not a hearing aid. I was listening to the footie programme on BBC Radio Sheffield. I listen to it 'cos it's better than having to listen to my son Chris moaning on and on. Didn't drown out "Osborn Effing Man" in the next row though, unfortunately !

Return to 2004-05 Season

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest