Walsall Ratings

[Mark_Ross]

I think what we are now seeing is expectations far exceeding the speed that the project can deliver at or is even expected to.

Wrexham have set an unrealistic bar for us. They signed a lot of league one/championship players, players who were playing regularly at that level.

McGoldrick aside our best signings have been players for whatever reason tumbling down the pyramid.

What we have achieved is fantastic with a budget significantly less than Wrexham’s and Stockport and Mansfield’s.

Whilst we are all disappointed at what seems like what could be a missed opportunity this season, we need to remember how far we’ve come, and that stability as well as progression is key.

We need to improve in January, not just for this season, but for next so we can push on again.

COYP

Think this is basically correct - a good post.

Obviously, we're all disappointed at the recent downturn in results, but I think realistically we have over-achieved so far in L2, considering our relatively small budget & multiple injury problems.

[nw6pie]

Think this is basically correct - a good post.

Obviously, we're all disappointed at the recent downturn in results, but I think realistically we have over-achieved so far in L2, considering our relatively small budget & multiple injury problems.

Our problems are understandable - not having a big enough (and good enough) squad to cope with injuries when we can’t sign players on loan; being excessively loyal to some of the old guard who got us promoted (Connell, JOB, Chicksen, Brindley); not being aware of what a truly competitive budget would be this season - and can’t be fixed in just six months.

I remember how at the start of the season we were so many pundits’ tips for promotion (or even the title) and very few on here shared that confidence given our (papered over) defensive problems from last season. NCM was right. But as long as our form doesn’t disappear off a cliff and we manage to stay in and around the top seven, next season is really going to be the time to judge us.

I watched the Portsmouth-Bolton game last night and the pace and intensity of that game was way beyond anything we could live with right now. Every signing we make now needs to have the quality to get us there, though.

[Kent Magpie]

...

I remember how at the start of the season we were so many pundits’ tips for promotion (or even the title) and very few on here shared that confidence given our (papered over) defensive problems from last season. NCM was right. But as long as our form doesn’t disappear off a cliff and we manage to stay in and around the top seven, next season is really going to be the time to judge us.

I watched the Portsmouth-Bolton game last night and the pace and intensity of that game was way beyond anything we could live with right now. Every signing we make now needs to have the quality to get us there, though.

I would say NCM is looking to be correct at the moment... let's see what January brings though.

[durhampie]

I would say NCM is looking to be correct at the moment... let's see what January brings though.

One important question we need to ask any potential new signing, "Can you pass the ball forward as a first option "

[Mark_Ross]

One important question we need to ask any potential new signing, "Can you pass the ball forward as a first option "

If only it were that simple. I don't claim to understand how goals are made or have any great insight.

However, one thing occurs to me - watching games at various levels down the years. The team dominating the possession passes it around endlessly, going from side to side, back a bit then forward a bit, side to side, and so on again. There is no way through. It seems like the defenders have it all covered.

Suddenly there is a spark! Somebody creates an opening. How does this happen? Perhaps they spot a chink in the defensive armour. Perhaps wearing them down mentally & physically is a part of this, but making that opening is about skill (obviously), vision, speed of thought & co-ordinated action.

[SmiffyPie]

If only it were that simple. I don't claim to understand how goals are made or have any great insight.

However, one thing occurs to me - watching games at various levels down the years. The team dominating the possession passes it around endlessly, going from side to side, back a bit then forward a bit, side to side, and so on again. There is no way through. It seems like the defenders have it all covered.

Suddenly there is a spark! Somebody creates an opening. How does this happen? Perhaps they spot a chink in the defensive armour. Perhaps wearing them down mentally & physically is a part of this, but making that opening is about skill (obviously), vision, speed of thought & co-ordinated action.

I remember watching a match several years ago when Man U (sure it was them?) were playing the great Barca team. Barca had been playing possession football for several seasons and were considered the best in Europe. Well Man U just let them have possession and closed shop while Barca could only pass it round the top of the Man U defence. Man U got a loose ball, passed it through the Barca high line and scored (Bit of poetic licence there). Our style is supposed to be a slow controlled build up looking for a passage of play into a goal scoring position. Easily countered though if we are too methodical.

[ThaiPie]

If only it were that simple. I don't claim to understand how goals are made or have any great insight.

However, one thing occurs to me - watching games at various levels down the years. The team dominating the possession passes it around endlessly, going from side to side, back a bit then forward a bit, side to side, and so on again. There is no way through. It seems like the defenders have it all covered.

Suddenly there is a spark! Somebody creates an opening. How does this happen? Perhaps they spot a chink in the defensive armour. Perhaps wearing them down mentally & physically is a part of this, but making that opening is about skill (obviously), vision, speed of thought & co-ordinated action.

Agree, with both Durham Pie and Mark_Ross. However, I think passing the ball forward is the easy bit.

Receiving a ball in central midfield, turning in a tight space, and spotting the offensive opportunities is one of the hardest things in football. A few names who have more than most in this regard: Matty Palmer, Mark Draper or Don Masson. I'm sure others can name many more.

Balancing this with the need for energy in midfield, makes it all the harder to get the right balance.

Nothing against any of our current midfielders, but since losing Matty Palmer, we haven't got the right blend.

[slack_pie]

Think this is basically correct - a good post.

Obviously, we're all disappointed at the recent downturn in results, but I think realistically we have over-achieved so far in L2, considering our relatively small budget & multiple injury problems.

Definitely. Most had us down for a midtable finish before a ball was kicked, and now we've become victims of a ridiculously good start that reset everyone's expectations. If we'd been midtable all season and recently won a few to get into the playoffs, the mood would be different.

We simply don't have the squad to compete with the top clubs in this division, but with some decent additions in January and a fair wind, we could still make the playoffs. I'd be well happy with 7th.

[ancientpie]

Definitely. Most had us down for a midtable finish before a ball was kicked, and now we've become victims of a ridiculously good start that reset everyone's expectations. If we'd been midtable all season and recently won a few to get into the playoffs, the mood would be different.

We simply don't have the squad to compete with the top clubs in this division, but with some decent additions in January and a fair wind, we could still make the playoffs. I'd be well happy with 7th.

I predicted 3rd but would gladly take 7th, I still believe we could achieve automatic but with having such a thin squad so much depends on avoiding injuries & suspensions, in the main we managed this last season but it's not looking good this. COYP

[slack_pie]

I predicted 3rd but would gladly take 7th, I still believe we could achieve automatic but with having such a thin squad so much depends on avoiding injuries & suspensions, in the main we managed this last season but it's not looking good this. COYP

I think our chances of automatic disappeared the day Matty Palmer got injured.