Saddlers Social: Walsall fans have their say

Greg Shelton

As Walsall supporters, we know where we stand in terms of the type of player we can attract and also the playing budget our management team have at their disposal compared to some others in League One.

Taking this on board, we’re also realistic in what we expect from our team.

Three key requirements come to my mind - they are: organised, hardworking and committed.

I can, without hesitation, say we’re getting this from Dean Keates and his men every time they represent our hometown club, plus much more. Now my call is for us supporters (me included) to play our part, especially at home games.

Ever since the recently-renamed HomeServe Stand was expanded over 15 years ago and the lower tier terrace was removed, there’s no doubt it’s been tricky to recreate the same partisan atmosphere that we were able to before the redevelopment.

However, it’s not impossible because who can forget the deafening noise and passion created against Northampton last season or indeed at a couple of games each season?

A great example of the lack of atmosphere was the Blackpool game, when we didn’t seem to wake up until the 70th minute and if we’re all honest with ourselves, we let the game drift as fans in the first half, without a murmur.

I now think it’s our joint responsibility to make sure, as Saddlers supporters, that we join forces and provide our side of the bargain, which is a loud and proud atmosphere to spur the players on - starting with the visit of Doncaster Rovers.

Let’s not wait until it’s a season-defining game to lose our voices and get on social media sites to say how great the atmosphere was, but instead start on Saturday and ensure there’s a Strepsil shortage across the borough come Sunday morning!

It’s time for us to play our part and get the Banks’s rocking yet again because this team deserves it!

Tom Miner

After a blistering start, I was starting to get concerned that teams were figuring us out and that the sheer number of games was starting to catch up with Morgan Ferrier and Andy Cook, who are probably not quite used to the fitness that League One demands.

So it was refreshing to see Dean Keates bring in Conor Ronan last week and throw him straight into league action through a change of formation.

We’ve now got different weapons we can use against different opposition.

The extra legs that the midfield trio gave us against Barnsley certainly helped on this occasion, and leaving the Cookie Monster on the bench certainly left him chomping at the bit to prove he’s got the appetite for goals at this level.

Richard Kendrick

What a fantastic result we achieved at Oakwell!

A point against a Barnsley team who would expect a top two finish is a seriously good result and shows that, while we don’t have the budget or depth of squad of our rivals, we are a sum greater than our parts, and that’s exactly what I want from my Walsall team.

I love their never say die attitude and willingness to fight for each other, they look hungry and driven and when a team has these qualities, anything’s possible.

It was great to see Andy Cook get a goal too. He’s looked dead on his feet in the last two games; to rest him was the right thing to do.

He’s going to be a big player for us over the next few years and one I'm sure will become a proven goalscorer at this level.

Nick Etheridge

Week after week, Dean Keates continues to impress.

After the Blackpool performance many, myself included, had begun to think teams had figured out how to play against our 4-4-2.

There were many a raised eyebrow when the team sheet at Barnsley saw us line up 4-1-4-1/4-3-3, with Andy Cook dropped to the bench.

A brave decision in many respects, as I wouldn’t have fancied telling him! Equally brave was the decision to drop Kieron Morris, who has been up their with our best performers in recent weeks.

It’s great to see a manager not afraid to make the tough decisions and the way things are going, he’s going to have to get used to doing it.

Whoever turns out plays with the same commitment, dedication and quality as the player they’ve replaced.

In a small squad like ours, it’s a real plus to have so much flexibility. It will stand us in good stead through the long campaign ahead.

Kevin Paddock

Did anyone start to think about promotion after the draw against Barnsley? Ok, maybe it’s just me but none of us can say anything negative about this team at the moment.

If you cannot compete financially with clubs then why not have a pride of lions who can close that gap? This team is scarily reminiscent of the class of 98 who did the unthinkable and took us up.

Quick mention to Luke Leahy. Many will know I was very critical of him last season but his performances have been outstanding all season.

He’s our most improved player and is proving that there’s a talented left back in him.

This week has seemed to drag without any midweek action - can’t wait until Saturday.

This side gives me so much pride. Thank you Dean Keates for giving me my love back for Walsall FC!