Saddlers angry at Charlton fixture switch

Walsall today hit out at the Football League's decision to move their trip to Charlton back 24 hours.

The Saddlers must go to The Valley on Sunday, December 12 (2pm) instead of the Saturday after the Addicks' FA Cup replay with Luton was moved to Thursday, December 9th for television coverage.

The promotion chasers asked the Football League to move the clash so they had more time to prepare.

But the Saddlers are angry Charlton have got their wish and left fans with a journey to London on a Sunday in the run-up to Christmas.

"We whole-heartedly disagreed with moving the fixture and, as such, the Football League's Executive were asked to adjudicate," read a statement.

"Much to our surprise and disappointment the League have ruled in favour of Charlton Athletic and the fixture will now take place on Sunday.

"We would like to apologise to our supporters who, through no fault of their own, will have now have to negotiate their way to south east London on a Sunday."

Walsall's frustration is justified as the Football League's logic is flawed. The idea of moving the game was to stop second-placed Charlton playing two games in 48 hours.

But, now the game has been switched to the Sunday, they still have to play two games in 48 hours – as they travel to Brentford in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy the following Tuesday.

The Saddlers are massive underdogs and were hoping to do everything in their power to give them an edge at The Valley.

Saturday's home clash with Oldham is already in doubt due to the weather and Walsall are desperate to avoid the fixture chaos they suffered last year.

The freezing conditions caused havoc and meant the club didn't play for a month between December 19 and January 16.

The break saw them lose momentum and fall away from the play-offs to finish 10th.