One win won't make the Saddlers

Walsall blogger Mark Jones believes the impressive win over Charlton is only something to build on against Southampton - rather than a turning point.

Wow, where did that come from then?

Suffering from a severe bout of man flu on Sunday afternoon, I simply assumed I was hallucinating after overdosing on the old lemsip when I saw Walsall's result at Charlton.

But, no, it was a genuine score and by all accounts a thoroughly deserved win, which also means we have picked up just under half of our points total in four unbeaten trips to the capital this season.

We played good old 4-4-2, got the ball out wide at every opportunity and took the game to our promotion-chasing opponents.

Plaudits went to Andy Butler, the kind of experienced centre-half we've been without most of the season, for marshalling the defence, to Steve Jones, our most creative player and hopefully over the worst of his injury problems, also to Matt Richards and Julian Gray for probably their best outings this season.

The latter duo have been incredibly disappointing all season, although Matt seems to have developed himself a small fan club for reasons that are not entirely apparent.

They both need to be putting in quality performances week in, week out, rather than once every five months.

I also thought it was interesting to note that there was not a single loanee in our starting line-up at the Valley. I've nothing against temporary players, but you need to get the balance right.

If we are to get out of the mess we are in, there needs to be a certain amount of commitment to the cause and a sense of togetherness in the squad. Loan players should compliment this, not be an alternative to it.

Which brings me round to the manager. I'm still of the belief that, based on what we've seen so far this season, Chris Hutchings has shown that he doesn't possess the necessary skills to be Walsall boss.

One fine away win doesn't wipe away an appalling league position, some questionable signings leading to an imbalanced squad, poor tactics, team selections and substitutions.

All last Sunday has proved is that there is something there to build on. I still believe we need to make the change if there's to be any chance of turning the season round.

It was just a welcome three points.

In closing, I must add a quick word about Blackburn's shock sacking of manager Sam Allardyce.

On behalf of all Saddlers who remember the mid-1990's I can only laugh and say "perhaps he ought to take it to a tribunal!"