Walsall blog: Justice done

Very occasionally in football you get the satisfaction of seeing justice done and last Tuesday night was a great example of that, writes Walsall blogger Mark Jones.

Yeovil (allegedly) were the ones who wanted the game played and their reward was a low crowd and zero points as the Mighty Saddlers moved into the top five (top five!), creating a five point gap between ourselves and the boys from Zomerzet in the process.

Listening to the coverage from Yeovil reminded me of Plymouth in ’99 when their stewards wouldn’t move us off the open terrace even though it was monsoon season and then having to aquaplane back up the M5 in dripping wet clothes stopping only to scare the late night customers at every Service Station. Happy days.

I didn’t go on Tuesday - yes I know, part timer and all that- but I was there in sympathy (I stood under a cold shower fully-clothed and stayed out ‘til 3 in the morning to get that ‘special’ midweek away match feeling).

Fair play to each and every one of the brothers and sisters who did travel though.

As for the diehards who chose to stay on the terrace braving the elements, Clayton’s reverse goal kicks and the certainty of being ridiculed by television sports reporters – you deserve our total and utter respect.

Some recognition and reward for this dedication from the football club itself would be good too, wouldn’t it Roy?

On the pitch the boys did the business … again.

Attitude, spirit, commitment and a desire to win all seem to be there in abundance.

The other thing that impresses me is that the young players are playing without fear at the moment and that seems to be rubbing off on everyone else. 

Richard Money deserves huge credit for creating this situation, but I also think we should be acknowledging the tremendous work Mick Halsall and Bill Jones have done over almost a decade working within the youth set-up.

The return of Eric McManus, highly regarded by anyone you talk to with connections at the club, three years back has undoubtedly helped in bringing through some quality youngsters too.

To me the fact that we had seven players under 21 the other night also has a long term effect in that it’s got to be a good selling point when we’re competing for the next generation of young talent.

The way forward for a club like Walsall should be to develop a production line of our own (like the one at that club up the M6 but without the bad loser of a manager). 

It’s something I’d love to see us achieve and, you never know, it could mean we might end up one day never having to visit grounds where you’re guaranteed a soaking for your troubles.

Never stop chasing the dream.

Walsall fans, what do you think? Have your say below