Just a few days ago we
reported the unlikely rumour that Walker, Wrack, O'Connor,
Corica and Simpson were heading for the exit door
at the end of the season.
Maybe the departures of O'Connor,
Corica and Simpson would make sense because they are not getting any
younger and the latter of the two have struggled to make any real
impression since Christmas. But it was the news of Walker and Wrack which
stirred debate amongst fans. Walker has another 12 months left on his
contract while Wracky has been in sparkling form all season.
If you were sceptical
about this report on Thursday, then Colin Lee's words in today's
News of World may well change your opinion.
Lee said
" I have been told I have to massively
cut my spending on the playing side next season and that makes things very
difficult. I have saved teams from relegation now for three seasons in a
row and that is a hard pressure. I have to weigh up whether I'm
going to have a proper chance to take this club forward. We have just seen
Glenn Roeder fall ill at West Ham and before him their were Gerard
Houllier and Graham Souness. I will have to see what cards I am am going
to be given because I want to get Walsall established in the first
division and not see them struggling to stay up each year" (News
of the World - Score. P17 - 27.4.03)
What Lee speaks of is very
worrying. He does not want to work on a reduced budget, but so what, every
manager since Kenny Hibbitt has worked on substandard budget ! His
commitment to the club is certainly in question.
Do we all remember being told that
Lee wanted to build a him Lee that taking the club forward was going to be
tough (because of our financial policy of safety first).
Could these massive cuts involve the
departure of these five key players?. This one is going to grow over the
summer, but if Colin is not committed to Walsall Football Club, then
Bonser knows what he has to do.
The majority of Saddlers fans now
have faith in Bonser's vision. If he says cut the budget, then cut the
budget. Both he and the Walsall board have masterminded our recent successes.
Lee seems to be concerned with if HE can have a PROPER CHANCE of
establishing us in Division 1. HE is upset about the fact that HE has
fought relegation battles for the last 3 seasons. BUT Does HE realise
the fact he has done this is because he is not considered good enough to
manage a top of the table side like Wolves?
Fans may sympathise with the fact
that he will have a reduced budget, but thats part of being a Walsall
manager.
Could Lee be upset about losing 5 of
his key players plus a battle to sign Junior and maybe keep Robinson?
Tell us what you think in our
Saddlers Forum...
