Pre-Match Chat Walsall - Number 1

Ahead of Tranmere's trip to Walsall on Saturday afternoon in Coca-Cola League One, Deadly Submarine took time out to speak to two Saddlers Fans and here we bring you the first interview with Rob Powell.

Good What is your name and for how long have you supported Walsall?

My name is Rob Powell and I first saw the Saddlers play in November 1972 and yes, we lost!

ABOUT YOUR CLUB

What is your most memorable Walsall moment or match?

There are two games that I can't separate.  First was a 2-1 victory over Arsenal at Highbury in 1983/84, when we reached the League Cup Semi-Finals. 

Second was a 4-4 draw at Watford in a 5^th round FA Cup replay in 1987/88. Watford were a seriously good first division team at the time and still had Barnes and Blissett in the side.

Your worst moment supporting Walsall?

Again, there are two.  Firstly, when we were beaten 0-7 by Chelsea at Fellows Park in a league game and the second came on May 1^st 1990, when I left Fellows Park after our final game at the old place knowing I'd never get to watch a game there again.  It still grieves me!

In your eyes who is Walsall's All-Time Greatest Player and why?

That has to be Alan Buckley.  He scored over 200 goals for us and took us to a promotion and a major semi-final in his time as manager and we also played some wonderful, attacking football under him.  In my opinion he's the single most important figure in the club's entire history.

Taxi For? (To which Player would you pay a Taxi Fare to leave the Club?)

Michael Ricketts.

Which Walsall player can do most damage to Tranmere Rovers on Saturday?

You may have to watch out for the combination of Sofiene Zaaboub and Troy Deeney.  Zaaboub is a fast, skilful left-winger and Deeney is our striker-in-form.  Both have really come to the fore since Chris Hutchings took over and will need to be carefully watched. Hint: Get Zaaboub onto his right foot and he's  buggered!

EDITORS NOTE: I will pass that on to Ronnie Moore!  Thanks! ;)

Is Chris Hutchings the right man for the job at the Bescot Stadium?

Well, you can never be quite sure can you, but at this moment I'd say Yes.

Any Walsall Chants we should try to listen out for at the game?

Rather than listen out for a specific chant, you might like to keep an eye out for Kevin, the ‘Dancing Saddler'.  There's footage of him on You Tube if you'd like a closer look!

LEAGUE ONE VIEWS

What is your Top Two Prediction for League One this season?

After giving this question a great deal of thought I'll have to go for Leicester and Peterborough!!!

Play-Off Winners?

I'd like to see Scunthorpe go back up.  They've recovered from relegation really well and deserve another go at the higher level.

Your tip for the Bottom Four places?

You're not making this very difficult are you?!  Um, Cheltenham, Hereford, Brighton and Orient.

THE TWO CLUBS

Where do you think Walsall will finish this season?

At the start of the season I didn't see us seriously bothering either end of the table and that's how it's turned out.  We're in mid-table, exactly where we deserve to be.

Do you think Tranmere will be Promoted/Relegated from League One and why?

I don't think anyone saw Rovers as relegation material but would have seen them as a decent each-way bet for going up. You're in with a strong shout for the play-offs so at least you still have a chance.

Eddy Sonko may well play for Tranmere against the Saddlers.  Was he a hit with the Fans at the Bescot?

We never really knew what to expect from him.  When he felt confident enough to express himself he could be very effective and a real crowd-pleaser.  He seemed uncomfortable when asked to play a disciplined role and could disappear if up against a ‘physical' type of opponent.

The thing I remember most from last season is when one of his goal attempts hit the roof of the home end. If you've been to our place over the last four or five years you'll know that that's no mean feat!

EDITORS NOTE: I can quite believe Eddy did that actually and your description of him above is the same as most Tranmere Fans would say about him now!

What is your Prediction for the game between the teams?

I can't see it ending in a draw as neither team has had a huge amount of drawn matches so I think there'll be a positive result.  I'll go for a narrow win for us!

Any other comments to add?

It'd be good to see Tranmere do well as there are similarities between our two clubs.  You have to live in the shadows of much bigger clubs just like we do, except that we've got three of the sods less than ten miles away!  I always like to see small clubs who are in the same situation as our two get a bit of the limelight.

EDITORS NOTE: I totally agree with that mate!

Thanks very much for your time and enjoy the game (but not too much) and good luck for the final few games of the Season after the game against Rovers.