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Uddersfield (H) League 1- 06/10/07

Reports and reaction from the 2007-08 season as Walsall finished 12th in League 1
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Whitti Steve
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Sat Oct 06, 2007 6:17 pm

philthesaddler wrote:Brilliant performance, one of the best from a Walsall side in a long time.

I personally think Jimmy Mullen has made a massive difference.

Ask yourself these questions;

How often under Money did we play with two, out and out wing men?

How often under Money have we seen Dobson playing just in front of the defence playing simple passes?

How often under Money have we seen overlapping full backs and scintilating wing play?

How often have we seen Money in a suit?

I think Mullen has obviously brought one hell of a lot to the club [that and the addition of two mobile players in the middle of the park], the all round performance today was simply excellent, and couldn't be more of a contrast to the last home game.

Mullen spent the whole game barking out instructions, and Im sorry to say but we werent 'fine' before, because before, even our away performances weren't this professional. Before, we couldn't string two passes together, before, dobson was finding himself trying to play the final ball, before, we had no pace on the wings, before, wing backs didn't overlap, before, midfield men didn't get up in support of the front men.

There were so many facets of todays performance, and that made the big difference, people forget easily how clueless and one dimensional we have been at times under Money, but with an experienced man beside him we're terrific, we now terrorise teams down the wings, we have money posing a threat, we can keep the ball etc etc.

Superb performance, and in my view shows just how much we were missing two things: An experienced coach/assistant, and mobility in midfield.


Well done on failing to give credit where it is due :roll:

dinkydotsaddler
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Sat Oct 06, 2007 6:29 pm

philthesaddler wrote:Brilliant performance, one of the best from a Walsall side in a long time.

I personally think Jimmy Mullen has made a massive difference.

Ask yourself these questions;

How often under Money did we play with two, out and out wing men?

How often under Money have we seen Dobson playing just in front of the defence playing simple passes?

How often under Money have we seen overlapping full backs and scintilating wing play?

How often have we seen Money in a suit?

I think Mullen has obviously brought one hell of a lot to the club [that and the addition of two mobile players in the middle of the park], the all round performance today was simply excellent, and couldn't be more of a contrast to the last home game.

Mullen spent the whole game barking out instructions, and Im sorry to say but we werent 'fine' before, because before, even our away performances weren't this professional. Before, we couldn't string two passes together, before, dobson was finding himself trying to play the final ball, before, we had no pace on the wings, before, wing backs didn't overlap, before, midfield men didn't get up in support of the front men.

There were so many facets of todays performance, and that made the big difference, people forget easily how clueless and one dimensional we have been at times under Money, but with an experienced man beside him we're terrific, we now terrorise teams down the wings, we have money posing a threat, we can keep the ball etc etc.

Superb performance, and in my view shows just how much we were missing two things: An experienced coach/assistant, and mobility in midfield.


I think you're right Phil - something has changed - whether it is Mullen or not we may never know but something has definately changed. I'm not sure I care right now what it is, I'm just bloody glad that it has. UTS :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

I also think you are very brave phil, after todays win, us 'doom-mongers' must stick together!!!!!!!!!!
Last edited by dinkydotsaddler on Sat Oct 06, 2007 7:56 pm, edited 1 time in total.

philthesaddler
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Sat Oct 06, 2007 6:29 pm

Aldridge Steve wrote:
philthesaddler wrote:Brilliant performance, one of the best from a Walsall side in a long time.

I personally think Jimmy Mullen has made a massive difference.

Ask yourself these questions;

How often under Money did we play with two, out and out wing men?

How often under Money have we seen Dobson playing just in front of the defence playing simple passes?

How often under Money have we seen overlapping full backs and scintilating wing play?

How often have we seen Money in a suit?

I think Mullen has obviously brought one hell of a lot to the club [that and the addition of two mobile players in the middle of the park], the all round performance today was simply excellent, and couldn't be more of a contrast to the last home game.

Mullen spent the whole game barking out instructions, and Im sorry to say but we werent 'fine' before, because before, even our away performances weren't this professional. Before, we couldn't string two passes together, before, dobson was finding himself trying to play the final ball, before, we had no pace on the wings, before, wing backs didn't overlap, before, midfield men didn't get up in support of the front men.

There were so many facets of todays performance, and that made the big difference, people forget easily how clueless and one dimensional we have been at times under Money, but with an experienced man beside him we're terrific, we now terrorise teams down the wings, we have money posing a threat, we can keep the ball etc etc.

Superb performance, and in my view shows just how much we were missing two things: An experienced coach/assistant, and mobility in midfield.


Well done on failing to give credit where it is due :roll:


I am giving credit where its due.

If people can't see how different a performance that was from the vast majority of performances under Money, then theyre blind.

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boringteacher
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Sat Oct 06, 2007 6:40 pm

Fabulous today - the most I've enjoyed seeing them play in 2 1/2 years. Roll on Tranmere which might tell us just what we could achieve this year. Well done DD!

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Sat Oct 06, 2007 6:42 pm

boringteacher wrote:Fabulous today - the most I've enjoyed seeing them play in 2 1/2 years. Roll on Tranmere which might tell us just what we could achieve this year. Well done DD!


I agree. the last 180 minutes of football have far outshone anything we did in our championship season.

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Sat Oct 06, 2007 7:08 pm

o tremendous again today. dd changing the the formation has made a bigger difference than i could have ever dreamed of. and 4 0 is the stuff of dreams, well for me any way. because i o so doubted him can i again say well done mooney, but again if i list every player i'm proud of tonight, it would just be the team sheet again. DD you d man. tonights summing up word has to be TREMENDOUS.

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Sat Oct 06, 2007 7:12 pm

thats what it was like on Tuesday aswell.
dancingsaddler wrote:It was like watching a team that actually enjoyed playing together today! It was a pleasure to watch and I must say that I thought that Fox deserved man of the match, he worked his balls off all game!!

Up the Saddlers!!!

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Whitti Steve
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Sat Oct 06, 2007 7:28 pm

philthesaddler wrote:
Aldridge Steve wrote:
philthesaddler wrote:Brilliant performance, one of the best from a Walsall side in a long time.

I personally think Jimmy Mullen has made a massive difference.

Ask yourself these questions;

How often under Money did we play with two, out and out wing men?

How often under Money have we seen Dobson playing just in front of the defence playing simple passes?

How often under Money have we seen overlapping full backs and scintilating wing play?

How often have we seen Money in a suit?

I think Mullen has obviously brought one hell of a lot to the club [that and the addition of two mobile players in the middle of the park], the all round performance today was simply excellent, and couldn't be more of a contrast to the last home game.

Mullen spent the whole game barking out instructions, and Im sorry to say but we werent 'fine' before, because before, even our away performances weren't this professional. Before, we couldn't string two passes together, before, dobson was finding himself trying to play the final ball, before, we had no pace on the wings, before, wing backs didn't overlap, before, midfield men didn't get up in support of the front men.

There were so many facets of todays performance, and that made the big difference, people forget easily how clueless and one dimensional we have been at times under Money, but with an experienced man beside him we're terrific, we now terrorise teams down the wings, we have money posing a threat, we can keep the ball etc etc.

Superb performance, and in my view shows just how much we were missing two things: An experienced coach/assistant, and mobility in midfield.


Well done on failing to give credit where it is due :roll:


I am giving credit where its due.

If people can't see how different a performance that was from the vast majority of performances under Money, then theyre blind.



So - if you are giving credit to Mullen (which it appears you are) who brought him in.... (i'll give you a clue - the answer is one or both of the 2 people you will never give credit to :wink: )

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Dave Gittins
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Sat Oct 06, 2007 7:28 pm

I think I'll have to give this 'revelling in a fine performance lark' a try. After Oldham I was very scathing in my criticism but I have to say that DD has shown he is a big enough man to try new systems and tactics and blood new players. What he has done is little short of brilliant, two weks ao if anyone had said we will be two points shy of the play offs we would have laughed in their face, with the renewed sense of optimism and self belief anything is possible.

Play offs? Nah, let's go for straight promotion.

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Sat Oct 06, 2007 7:29 pm

Aldridge Steve wrote:Well done on failing to give credit where it is due :roll:


I think the credit is due in many areas, some of which Phil mentioned and some he didn't.

a) To Jeff Bonser, for agreeing to pay off Sonner's contract and for agreeing to pay to bring Mattis in
b) To circumstance, for meaning Roper was injured so we lost the liability he had been so far this season, and for making Butler be an idiot so it meant he doesn't figure any more
c) To the players, for raising their game (think how much stick Fox was getting pre-season - and he's been brilliant all season,really; how good was Weston today?; how good was Mooney?)
d) Most of all to Richard Money, for identifying the problems, sorting them out, and having the intelligence to see that if you had three in midfield then it allows Dobson to play a game which is far more natural to him, and gives you the added strength in the centre to allow you to play two genuine wingers without worrying about their defensive deficiencies

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Sat Oct 06, 2007 7:30 pm

I'm sure Mullen has made things easier for DD and will have a massive part to play in our future, both long and short term. However, to say he is the man that has 'made DD see sense' and play with width, play football, and attack is way off beam. DD has always said he wanted to play positive football and bring the youth through.

He has introduced the likes of Ishy, Bradley, Dann, Gerrard, Nicholls, Mcdermott and Bradley gradually, giving them experience and keeping them hungry. Mullen will no doubt, make it easier for DD, but lets give credit to the whole team (Players for staying patient, Manager for knowing when and how to use each player, coaches for developing and bringing the younger players though, Staff for supporting DD - Everyone).

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Sat Oct 06, 2007 7:30 pm

ask your self how long he's been there, he didn't even know the players or where they played, DD has turned this around, if jimmy could have made that differance in that time he'd be managing flaming chelsea.
philthesaddler wrote:Brilliant performance, one of the best from a Walsall side in a long time.

I personally think Jimmy Mullen has made a massive difference.

Ask yourself these questions;

How often under Money did we play with two, out and out wing men?

How often under Money have we seen Dobson playing just in front of the defence playing simple passes?

How often under Money have we seen overlapping full backs and scintilating wing play?

How often have we seen Money in a suit?

I think Mullen has obviously brought one hell of a lot to the club [that and the addition of two mobile players in the middle of the park], the all round performance today was simply excellent, and couldn't be more of a contrast to the last home game.

Mullen spent the whole game barking out instructions, and Im sorry to say but we werent 'fine' before, because before, even our away performances weren't this professional. Before, we couldn't string two passes together, before, dobson was finding himself trying to play the final ball, before, we had no pace on the wings, before, wing backs didn't overlap, before, midfield men didn't get up in support of the front men.

There were so many facets of todays performance, and that made the big difference, people forget easily how clueless and one dimensional we have been at times under Money, but with an experienced man beside him we're terrific, we now terrorise teams down the wings, we have money posing a threat, we can keep the ball etc etc.

Superb performance, and in my view shows just how much we were missing two things: An experienced coach/assistant, and mobility in midfield.

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Sat Oct 06, 2007 7:43 pm

Great result, icing on the cake after England's win over Australia.

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Sat Oct 06, 2007 7:46 pm

Exile wrote:Great result, icing on the cake after England's win over Australia.


Morning Exile, aren't you rivited to the NZ game?

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Sat Oct 06, 2007 7:47 pm

Terriers fan reckons we are the best home team hes seen for a few years....
http://www.footballforums.net/forums/sh ... 735&page=3

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Sat Oct 06, 2007 7:49 pm

Today really was about as good as it gets.

Money seems to have found a forumla in terms of team selection and mentality that works. Not only that, but this group of players really want to work for eachother and enjoy doing so. This suggests to me that things were far from stable behind the scenes before the recent decisions made with regard to Butler and Sonner.

Bradley and Mattis are the players who have for me, made the biggest difference. We were crying out for some legs in midfield and have now got some. Bradley was all over the place both offensively and defensively today and made a big impact when doing both. The fact that he and Mattis get forward but also have the legs to cover back means that Dobson can do what he does best - destroy and keep things simple. I thought today's game showed what Dobson is all about.

Mooney is an inspiration. He plays in a way which inspires others and also makes the effort to talk to his team-mates whenever he gets the chance with a break in play. It was pleasing to see him put his arm around Ishmel and have a word with him in the first half when he was looking a bit hesitant. He also arguably prevented Ishmel from getting anything more than a red card when he was throttled by Sinclair. I thought the yellow was harsh bearing in mind the fact that Sinclair received the same punishment, but he got his just desserts in the end.

Gerrard and Dann proved why Roper shouldn't be in the side at the moment. They were rock solid, seem to be building an understanding and work well as a unit with the fullbacks (both of whom played exceptionally well today).

I could talk about that performance all day long and would take great pleasure from doing so, but those who witnessed it will have enough of a smile on their faces already.
We face a big test on Friday, but we couldn't be in a more confident mood going into the game, which will hopefully see us come away with a result.

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Sat Oct 06, 2007 8:11 pm

latviancheese wrote:4. mooney


Bonser out :roll:


I'll vote for that.

Great perfomance, great team spirit, great result. I'm just glad that RM had the nerve to make some tough calls over the last couple of weeks. The return on his bravery has been staggering.

I'm sure Bonser recognises this and will support RM financially should he wish to add to his squad in the near future.

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Sat Oct 06, 2007 8:16 pm

The last 135 minutes that we have played have been amongst the best I have seen (that's 34 years worth). I turned up today expecting a bit of an "after the Lord Mayor's show" performance. Walsall have a habit of picking you up then knocking you down, but I was glad I was wrong. It could have been 8 or 9.

The great thing is the amount of youngsters in the first team squad and how they all seem so comfortable on the ball. We've got about eight players who I reckon would command a transfer fee which means that for more than one reason the club's future is safe and looking pretty bright.

Really excited, but still expect youthful exuberance to be replaced by youthful naivety from time to time and I therefore think that just as relegation talk was daft a week or two ago, so talk of promotion is now. Let's just sit back and enjoy the ride.

UTS (Up The Scousers - the 3 of them were ace again today - but I would say that wouldn't I?)

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Exile
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Sat Oct 06, 2007 8:17 pm

Cheesebag wrote:
Exile wrote:Great result, icing on the cake after England's win over Australia.


Morning Exile, aren't you rivited to the NZ game?


Oh, absolutely. Nothing better than NZ winning with NZ commentators (sorry Jeremy B). They'll need splashproof microphones. I'll list the excuses on another RWC thread when they choke it in a week's time. :wink:

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Sat Oct 06, 2007 8:19 pm

PT wrote:UTS (Up The Scousers - the 3 of them were ace again today - but I would say that wouldn't I?)


I agree. :D

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Sat Oct 06, 2007 8:20 pm

i was very impressed by Weston he seemed to be a machine he never tired same with every player they fought for every ball every tackle and every header a superb performance the best i have seen them for 3 years :D

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Cheesebag
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Sat Oct 06, 2007 8:21 pm

Exile wrote:
Cheesebag wrote:
Exile wrote:Great result, icing on the cake after England's win over Australia.


Morning Exile, aren't you rivited to the NZ game?


Oh, absolutely. Nothing better than NZ winning with NZ commentators (sorry Jeremy B). They'll need splashproof microphones. I'll list the excuses on another RWC thread when they choke it in a week's time. :wink:


But they've calmed down a bit now tho :D

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Exile
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Sat Oct 06, 2007 8:24 pm

Cheesebag wrote:
Exile wrote:
Cheesebag wrote:
Exile wrote:Great result, icing on the cake after England's win over Australia.


Morning Exile, aren't you rivited to the NZ game?


Oh, absolutely. Nothing better than NZ winning with NZ commentators (sorry Jeremy B). They'll need splashproof microphones. I'll list the excuses on another RWC thread when they choke it in a week's time. :wink:


But they've calmed down a bit now tho :D


oh please oh please oh please oh please...... :lol:

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Kiansmom
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Sat Oct 06, 2007 8:34 pm

Just got in,

Can't add more to what has already been said. It was great to see players with the desire and hunger to win. Definately have to keep Dann and Gerrard together, they seem to have really gelled.

Mooney was awesome, including a little joke with the fans behind the goal. At 36 he still showed some real touches of class today.

Finally, My personal MOTM Mr sunshine! Absolute gem of a signing, if he has that much energy when fasting I can't wait to see him when he's been fed,

Almost felt like last season for a while, long may it continue

UTS

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Cheesebag
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Sat Oct 06, 2007 8:47 pm

Exile wrote:
Cheesebag wrote:
Exile wrote:
Cheesebag wrote:
Exile wrote:Great result, icing on the cake after England's win over Australia.


Morning Exile, aren't you rivited to the NZ game?


Oh, absolutely. Nothing better than NZ winning with NZ commentators (sorry Jeremy B). They'll need splashproof microphones. I'll list the excuses on another RWC thread when they choke it in a week's time. :wink:


But they've calmed down a bit now tho :D


oh please oh please oh please oh please...... :lol:


:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

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Exile
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Sat Oct 06, 2007 8:48 pm

Cheesebag wrote:
Exile wrote:
Cheesebag wrote:
Exile wrote:
Cheesebag wrote:
Exile wrote:Great result, icing on the cake after England's win over Australia.


Morning Exile, aren't you rivited to the NZ game?


Oh, absolutely. Nothing better than NZ winning with NZ commentators (sorry Jeremy B). They'll need splashproof microphones. I'll list the excuses on another RWC thread when they choke it in a week's time. :wink:


But they've calmed down a bit now tho :D


oh please oh please oh please oh please...... :lol:


:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:


YES!

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Sat Oct 06, 2007 9:50 pm

Shabba 8)

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Sat Oct 06, 2007 10:46 pm

Could not resist the temptation to go today with all my doubts about lack of pace and passion having been swept aside.

I suspect credit may be due to Bonser if he asked DD what he needed to put things right.

Credit to DD for getting Jimmy Mullen and Dwayne. If he has been bouncing ideas off JM and responding to his thoughts, then full marks to both of them.

Good riddance to those who were apparently disrupting the dressing room. Those that remain have been totally professional today and put the money grabbing misfits to shame.

451 worked today, as it did for Merson when we slaughtered H'Pools a few years back. If the right players are not available to play, I hope that we will not have any doubts about changing the format. However, if everyone is fit for Friday I hope to see more of the same.

Great to be a Saddler

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Sat Oct 06, 2007 11:33 pm

Dare I say it but im starting to think this season may be something special again :?

After the Oldham game I thought we was going to struggle, so did DD. So he....

Got Mullen in.
Gets rid of Sonner.
Transfer lists Butler- although it wasnt all his decision.
He gives Bradley, Ishy and Gerrard more of a chance.
He decided to drop his trusted 4-4-2 for Doncaster and Uddersfield and we score 7 goals!

We are now starting to play FOOTBALL and great football at that. We have made both Doncaster and Uddersfield look very poor and no I dont think they both had off days, I think we played soooo well.

Ince- Had nowt to do
Weston- Agree with above it was his best game so far, looked quite good coming forward.
Fox- I have criticised this bloke and said he should have been shipped out in the summer, but he has been quality so far.
Gerrard & Dann- You wouldnt believe we could have the youngest central defence pairing in the league and both look comfortable together.
Sonko- This man is my favourite. Oozes class, cant wait for him to "adjust to the English game"
Dobbo- Probably his best game of the season, did all the "dirty work"
Bradley- Just gets better and better. This seasons youth star.
Mattis- SIGN HIM UP NOW.
Ishy- Didnt think he was very influential today, although his ruck with Sinclair was good. I was expecting him to lay one on Frank.
Mooooooooooney- He's loved by the fans and leads by example. I take it back Mark, he will easily get double figures!

Bring on Tranmere!!!!!!!

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Sat Oct 06, 2007 11:37 pm

BONSER OUT. CHEAP SIGNINGS. WE;RE GOING DOWN. Money Out.


DOOOOOM DOOOM DOOOM DOOOOOOOOOM.




well someones gonna do it, may aswell be me.

























*personally i think it's just like watching Brazil*

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