Nine games in 29 days for Walsall

Walsall must play nine games in 29 days after the big freeze decimated their winter programme.

The Saddlers have seen the last four games frozen off, the latest when Southend postponed tomorrow's trip to Roots Hall.

That game has yet to be rearranged but with new dates set for other matches the Saddlers must play eight times in February.

But they have to abide by Football League rules and other club's wishes when trying to rearrange postponed games. The home club have first call on when the game is played, offering a selection of dates to the away team who respond with their choices.

In the main, the two clubs come to an agreement but sometimes the Football League must intervene to settle the issue.

Bristol Rovers originally wanted their game with the Saddlers played on February 2 or 9, due to Bristol Rugby Club's fixtures, while the Saddlers wanted February 16, to avoid playing Rovers twice in three days.

When neither could agree, the Football League ruled in favour of the home club and set the date for February 9 at the Memorial Ground – three days after Rovers visit the Banks's Stadium.

The home clash with Charlton on February 2 had to be rearranged a second time on safety grounds, when the first date contravened the club's safety certificate.

And the trip to Leeds on February 16 was chosen because United's Johnstone's Paint Trophy commitments had to be taken into account.

The February 23 visit of Yeovil has been scheduled since the fixtures came out.