Walsall Blog - So far, so?

Walsall blogger Mark Jones is measuring his side's start to the season after 10 games through two pairs of sunglasses.

Apparently being a gemini means you tend to have a bit of a split personality, and if that doesn't do the trick, then supporting Walsall definitely makes you a bit of a schizo.

Did last Saturday's draw at Norwich make me feel better or worse about the way the season has started? Should I be happy or sad? Down and morbidly depressed or cheery and annoyingly positive?

Well I can't seem to make my mind up, so you choose whichever one of the following you think is most appropriate: -

Panic

Only one win in the first 8 games – and that was 7 games ago – and 2 cup exits in winnable ties against moderate lower league opposition.

Four games (over 6 hours) without a goal. Our measly total of 5 goals includes two penalties and an o.g.

We are struggling to create chances in open play. Some of the new signings have yet to perform, and a couple have already been given nominations for 2009/10 Scapegoat of the Year.

There seem to be a number of players - Steve Jones, Matt Richards, Richard Taundry - who the manager has yet to find the right position for. Despite our poor run of form, neither Alex Nicholls nor Mark Bradley have been given a chance yet.

The transfer window came and went, with the only arrivals being a loan signing to cover our injured centre-halves and a player released from his contract who we could have signed at any time.

On the surface the point picked up at Carrow Road looked a good one, but the Canaries are a very average side who were there for the taking if we'd had that little bit more quality.

Defeat at Tranmere on Saturday and we're right in the mire.

Crowds are shockingly low, a predictable result of years of a 'head-in-the-sand' self-congratulatory back slapping attitude, from those who still laughingly refer to us as a 'well run club.'

I've not met anyone who has any faith in the club being able or willing to turn things round and actually get people back through the turnstiles.

They don't want to talk to us. They don't want to listen – we might tell them a few home truths. And there's still a big rent bill to pay.

Alternatively - Happy Talk

Four clean sheets out of eight, including three on the bounce, reflect a good start for our defence. So far Daryl Westlake has been a real find, deservedly keeping Rhys Weston - one of our better players - out of the side.

Manny Smith is fast becoming the number one choice at centre half.

Mark Hughes has already made a good impression as captain, a defender who's not afraid to put his head where it hurts and a good motivator. He's looked the best of the summer additions so far.

Clayton 'Son of Rodney' McDonald - this guy is gonna be a star. What a pity even a club with our financial clout can't compete with Man City, or we'd be snapping him up full time!-

Our two league defeats so far have been against the two top teams in the league, and we were 12 minutes away from a victory over Leeds.

The return of Darren Byfield. I firmly believe selling him was the first of many many mistakes of the Colin Lee era. Fully fit and playing regularly, he gives us extra options up front and he'll score goals.

Steve Jones is a clever and creative player, get him more involved in games and we'll surely create more.

The reserves won 4-0 the other night, with goals from O'Keefe, Parkin with two, albeit tap-ins, and a stunner from Alex Nicholls. It can't have done the confidence any harm.

Get the balance of the team right and we should still be OK. There's still plenty of dross in this division, we just need to start beating some of it.

And finally - things that have pleased me this week.

Sir Ray Graydon has been deservedly honoured this week on the Birmingham Walk of Stars. Are you watching Jeff Bonser? Alan Buckley next please.

That shot of Croatia coach Slaven Bilic with his head bowed was enough to bring a smile to anyone's face. Not so cocky now, eh?

Also had to chortle at Wolves boss Mick McCarthy on Sky talking about his 'Championship Club'.

Now now Michael, there's no need to get ahead of yourself.