Saddlers Fight Against Relegation

By Alan Stokes
November 12 2002

We are in exactly the same predicament as last year. The same points, same number of games won yet we all consider we have a better team. This cannot be true,so where are we going wrong?

Prior to the start of the season most fans were predicting a mid-table finish for the Saddlers. However, with over one third of the season gone we are floundering amongst the relegation places.

We have accumulated a very poor 19 points from 18 games. The 18 games played year to date have yielded ONLY 5 victories. These are not the statistics required for a team hoping to finish mid table, they are more in keeping with a team that will be struggling to avoid relegation.

A comparison with last year reveals that after 18 games played we had accumulated an identical amount of points and we had won (wait for it) – 5 games.

Given that we have signed players of proven first division quality – Bazeley, Corica, O’Connor, Simpson and have retained the services of other players who have performed for us at this level then why are we in exactly the same position as last year? Why have we not progressed?

It is generally acclaimed that we are playing better quality football this year (in a poorer first division) but we have not moved forwards. We have not progressed. This is a cause for concern.

Unless there is a dramatic change in our points return then we will be involved in a season long relegation dog fight. Let us not fall into the mind set that we are too good to go down as we know the pitfalls of this thinking.

If after 30 games played we have accumulated only 27 points then will Mr. Bonser bring to an end Colin Lee’s stewardship as he did with Ray Graydon. An interesting thought.

Where have we gone wrong? Why have we not progressed given the talented players at our disposal? Are we really as bad as last year? The statistics indicate we are.

Answers on a postcard please.