M55 to Blackpool

By Mister Happy
April 25 2004

It is now almost inevitable that we will be heading for the delights of Luton and Stockport next year unless Merson can produce a major miracle. Those people that still believe Lee is the best manager the club has ever had need to get their heads out of the sand.

Without wishing to throw in the towel I think it is safe to assume that the Fat Lady has just started to clear her throat. A glance this morning at the League table confirms that our dismal post Christmas slump has left us with the first division debris occupying the relegation spots.

Considering that the team that has put us in this situation was largely acclaimed at the start of the season as being one of the finest ever assembled at Bescot, this seasons failings can only be classed as nothing short of spectacular.

With quality players such as Merson, Samways, Ritchie, Emblen, Corica and Osborn, not forgetting one of the best keepers in the Division, something this year has gone dramatically wrong.

From being 4 points from the play offs at Christmas time to relegation fodder in the space of 4 months indicates that there is a major problem at the club. I for one don’t believe that the blame lies at any one particular door.

The first wheel barrow full of dung should be tipped unceremoniously outside the club owner’s office door. The time for establishing our first division credibility was just after Christmas as we were within touching distance of the Play Off places. Whilst no-one for a minute really believed that we were going to be challenging for a spot in the Premiership, a little bit of investment at this time would have ensured a mid table finish. However, in defence of the owner, even if pockets full of Pretty Green were available you still have to entice players to the club. In all honesty, if you were a player where would you prefer to ply your trade? Pride Park or Bescot Stadium? I rest my case.

The main reason for dumping the dung outside Bonser’s door is because of his decision to sack Lee. For a side to have only won twice on home soil since Nov 4th (something pointed out to me Saturday lunchtime) is nothing short of disgraceful. Bonser’s decision to sack Lee was 2 months too late. Sadly, we are now leaderless and without hope.

It is not all negativity however, in the words of Mr Whalley “we are a well run club”. The fact that we are such a well run club that others apparently aspire to holds little crumbs of comfort this morning as I read depressingly what is likely to be our fixture list next year. Whilst I eagerly await the forthcoming clashes with the mighty Colchester and Wrexham I will hold my head high and be proud that the club management are doing such a fantastic job.

Moving on, I now declare that lorry loads of the brown smelly stuff are dumped amidst much fanfare outside the gates of one of Lee’s estates. His failings are well documented along with his incredible ability to dream up such fantastic excuses for his failings.

For those of you who think that this guy is some kind of footballing genius I give you the ultimate and only fact that matters. Colin Lee has taken the finest talent ever assembled at this Football Club to the dark waters of the second division. There are still people that blame the players. What cannot be excused in this instance is the fact that it was Lee that brought the players to the club. A manager is judged by results and there haven’t been too many good ones since Christmas.

If you still believe that Colin Lee is the best manager ever to have been employed by the club then I am afraid you are living in Cuckoo land.

To conclude, a quick reminder for the cuckoos that will follow the team away from home next year. When you reach Preston, turn left and take the M55 to Blackpool. As you drive towards that God forsaken place by the sea you can quietly thank the “best manager Walsall FC has ever had”.

Get your heads out of the sand.