Walsall - The Half Term Report

By Neil Ravenscroft
December 18 2002

Well, half the games have gone, so it must be time for Neil Ravenscroft to take a look at how the season has gone so far and how the individuals are performing.

Jimmy Walker. Having signed his contract extension, the ever popular keeper will be receiving a well deserved testimonial next year. Has been his usual consistent self, with a couple of match winning performances to boot (e.g. Wimbledon last Saturday). Hope that the Preston game was his one aberration for the season! More of the same as last week, please.

Gavin Ward. Hasn't really done anything wrong on those occasions he has stepped in for Jimmy so far. Will get another chance during the two match ban, so we will know more then. Take your opportunities when they come.

Darren Bazeley. We have had a reputation in recent years for having good, consistent right backs and he is another chip off the same block. Looks every inch a First Division player. Keep up the good work.

Zigor Aranalde. I'm not going to be popular with 4Two, but, after a shaky start (including being responsible for the loss to Rotherham), he is settling down well. May be that people only appreciate what we miss when he isn't there, as the side has a better balance with him in it. Needs to cut out the odd lapses in concentration. Keep up the improvement.

Danny Hay. The Wimbledon game sums him up, in that he was completely at ease with the aerial and physical threat of Shipperley, but struggled with the pace and movement of Connelly. Rugged and reasonably dependable, he needs to be more of a presence in the opponent's box. Must do better.

Ian Roper. I once said that he'd never make a footballer as long as he had a hole in his backside. That shows why I'm not a football manager. Probably the best of our central defenders so far. Still troubled by players turning him and still prone to silly fouls. Like Hay, should be more of a threat from set pieces. Something to work on.

Ludo Pollet. Looks classy at times and does not like to waste the ball. Feeling his way back from injury, so I suspect we haven't seen the best of him yet. I think he would be worth keeping if a deal can be done. Keep up the improvement.

Matt Carbon. Who? We know what a good defender he can be, we would like the opportunity to have that opinion confirmed. If Pollet does stay, I suspect that Matt will be on his way, unless the intention is to play 5 3 2 more often, in which case, you need four first choice centre backs. Must try harder!

Darren Wrack. Most improved player, or have the fans just started to appreciate his hard work? Personally, I think it is the latter. I would still like to see him ghosting past defenders like he used to, though! Needs to improve his strike rate.

Martin O'Connor. Looks the same Martin we know and love, but his age is starting to tell. We do not look the same side without him and the threat of injury is always there. Colin Lee's major problem is covering for his inevitable absences. About time he got back on the score sheet! Must try harder in that area.

Danny Sonner. A lot of fans still do not seem to have made their minds up about the former Northern Ireland International. Personally, I think he compliments O'Connor well, but most of his best work is the sort of midfield grafting that doesn't get noticed a lot. His biggest weakness is his passing, his strength that he takes a mean penalty. Let's see more improvement.

Steve Corica. The little Aussie is easily our most creative player, but I think that the opposition have realised that and the close marking and the heavy pitches are taking their toll. He will, however, return. Must try harder.

Fitzroy Simpson. Good cover for Sonner, in that he works well with O'Connor as well. The Sonner/Simpson partnership is not in the same class, however. Keep it up, Fitz!

Junior. Magic. Please stay. Please practice with your right foot more. More of the same, please.

Jorge Leitao. My player of the season so far, in that he has the perfect all round game for a First Division centre forward. The only minor criticism is that he needs to improve his finishing. Keep improving, Jorge, and legend status may yet arrive!

David Zdrillic. Unlucky to loose his place through injury, he will have a part to play this season yet. Great movement, two good feet and knows where the back of the net is. Keep trying and you will succeed.

And the rest of the squad?
Pedro Matias has been unlucky with injuries, but can give us something different.
Gareth Ainsworth has only had twenty minutes to show what he can do so far, but we were all left wanting more!
Herivelto. Another who has been suffering from injury and from personal problems. Needs a chance soon to show what he can do, but, if Ainsworth should stay, I don't think he has a future here.
Dani Rodrigues. Who? Colin's big mistake so far, although it's difficult to know why on his past performances for Bristol City. May be departing, if he doesn't show enough to force his way in.
Roberto Martinez. Was acquired because of injury problems at the beginning of the season, so may well be on his way now.
Birch and Wright. I'd think about getting them out on loan in Division 2, to further their education.

I'll leave comment on Barras, Hawley and Bishop until we see how well they do in their respective loans.

Colin Lee. Made a few mistakes, but all of these are easily forgiven as he has managed to assemble a squad that looks like a First Division one and which can play delightful football at times. Has also made it clear that the revolution at the club, in the attempt to make it established at this level, has not finished yet and is talking about wanting to get more class into the squad. Long may that continue! If we manage a mid table position this year, it will be the most successful period in the club's history. It even makes the last forty years of pain worthwhile!