Walsall blogger Mark Jones talks five-goal romps, the merits of Anthony Gerrard staying at the club and Graeme Hick ahead of the home match with Leyton Orient.

How typically Walsall have the last few days been? A very poor defeat and player unrest – followed by a five goal romp against one of the fancied sides in the division.

Oh and unless I’ve missed anything, the transfer window has come and gone with no change to the Saddlers squad.

I thought the reception that Anthony Gerrard received on Saturday was spot on, boos from a small minority for his first touch, followed by a lot of support from everyone else, the singing of his song and a standing ovation after the final whistle.

This was reciprocated by a committed, professional display from ‘Antnee’ proving that his head was in the ‘right place’ after all.

To be honest given Gerrard’s performances over the last three years, we should have expected nothing less.

With the move that the rumour mill had predicted (I heard Reading, Blues and, improbably but eventually true, hard-up Southampton) failing to materialise, what Gerrard has to do now is be at the top of his game and continue to earn the right to be able to play at a higher level.

The two goals against and the Southend near misses show that we could do with a bit of stability in the centre of defence.

It’s a key position but also one that’s a bit unforgiving for players not on the top of their game.

Manny Smith is a fine prospect who still needs a bit more time, Roberts is clearly having problems with injuries and any triallists (e.g. Gary Breen) would be short on match fitness, so Ant Gerrard remaining on the books is certainly no bad thing.

Back to the Southend game. At half time the game could have gone either way, but the quality of our finishing, delivery into the box and the sheer effort put in by the whole team was rewarded, with four stunning second half goals.

There was a certain irony that it was 11 years to the day since we last beat Southend at home with a memorable hat-trick, from an immensely talented but sometimes wayward striker.

Roger Boli’s first goal that day is still talked about now and I think people will be doing the same for Ish’s remarkable third, although it might be to debate whether or not he meant it.

Some may disagree (like I care) but having watched footage of the goal I think it was a shot. Not sure?

Look at the body shape and direction of his foot after the excellent turn and drag back, the placing of the keeper and where our other strikers were positioned.

Then remember the equally audacious strike against Slop Town last season. Finally (and this clinches it for me) everyone in the media has reported it as a cross. When do they ever give Walsall any credit?

So yes it was a shot, Ish deserved his hat trick and the boys were well worth the 5-2 for the attacking prowess they showed.

As Jimmy himself has stated, the trick now is for them to repeat it. Typical Walsall would be a dull 0-0 or a disappointing defeat against Orient (especially as the Family Fun Day should bring in a bigger crowd), let’s hope we become unpredictably predictable.

P.S: Nothing to do with football, but a genuine Midland sporting star has announced his retirement today after an astonishing 25 years at the top.

Graeme Hick – you are a legend, happy retirement mate.