Half-season report card: Must do better is the message for Walsall

Top performer: Josh Gordon

A slightly tougher question to answer than expected.

Particularly for his performances in the last few months, Josh Gordon is the man to fill this spot.

Now up to seven goals for the season, it’s his work off the ball that bags him this award just ahead of a few competitors.

Gordon’s work-rate is second to none in a Saddlers shirt and his ability to win the ball back and spark a counter-attack is the oil that keeps the Walsall cog moving.

He’s also loved by the fans and manager alike.

James Clarke is worthy of a honourable mention here. The captain has been extremely consistent for the vast majority of the season.

He misses out due to a couple below-par performances in recent weeks, including his red card against Carlisle.

Wes McDonald would also be a major contender, but as he’s still yet to sign a contract to keep him at the club, he misses out.

Must do better: Rory Gaffney

There are several contenders with players out of favour, such as James Hardy or Zak Jules.

But Rory Gaffney would be the stand-out as a player that needs to improve, especially as he is regularly involved in the squad.

The striker has only scored one goal for the Saddlers since joining on loan from Salford.

After initially making an impact of sorts with his hold-up play, he has since stalled and has shown little sign of getting back into form. His track record tells you that there’s a goalscorer in there somewhere, but so far he’s failed to show it.

Manager: Darrell Clarke

It’s been a mixed bag for Darrell Clarke, who had the tough task of steadying the ship left from the League One relegation.

October was dreadful, with six straight losses in the league.

Before that it was below par and since then Walsall have shown signs of improvement.

Clarke is starting to get his team to gel and play better football, with McDonald and Gordon at the heart of it. The rebuild will take time and Clarke will rightly be afforded it.

Where to strengthen: Wing, up-front, midfield

With the transfer window now open, the Saddlers are in need of reinforcements.

One winger is a must, alongside a new contract for McDonald.

And another striker and a physical midfielder would be ideal additions as Walsall still need to add goals and more strength in midfield.

Defensively, the team should be well-stocked until the summer.

Grade: D

Overall, the first half of the season earns Walsall a grade D.

The extremely average start to the season, alongside the disastrous losing run in October, has been the difference between Walsall’s current 15th place and a play-off spot.

They’ve improved recently, but more consistency is needed in both performances and results.