Walsall - The Forgotten Team of West Midlands

jbolas said:
Great story and layout so far; I saw that Cyprus flag on saturday, when we played you and I was wondering what it was for.
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Haha good to know someones still bringing the Cyprus flag then! :D The 2 games before that we had stopped protesting, but vs Plymouth the protests will be back with a bang ;) There's been some planning. Although, the club have said anybody with Cyprus flags will be thrown out the stadium and will be banned! Ridiculous!

---------- Post added at 12:29 AM ---------- Previous post was yesterday at 10:58 PM ----------

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WESTLAKE: BOSS CAN TRUST ME
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Following 19 year old right back, Darryl Westlakes first goal for the club against Bristol Rovers in the 3-0 win. Darryl Westlake has come out and pleaded Daniel to play him more often. He has made 2 sub appearences totalling just 53 minutes so far this season and Westlake wants more playing time.

Obviously Simek has come in and he's more experienced and a great player for us but I want to be given more of an opportunity, the boss can trust me. I havent put a foot wrong in my sub appearances. I am not angry or anything and will just keep working hard but I obviously do want to play.

Would you consider a loan move?
At the moment no. I wouldnt be allowed anyway. Me and Simek are both fighting for that right back spot and whilst one is playing, the other is on the bench as backup so he wants us both.

You're only 19, do you think you have a big future here?
Ofcourse I do, it's a good club. I was born here and I even though I support Aston Villa, this club is certainly my number 2 club so I wouldnt want to move and I really do believe I have a big future here. Daniel has offered me a new contract which i'll sign so he wants me and for aslong he wants me then I want the club.​
 
good story so far this mate. byfield, obika and rodriguez are all good players, shame you dont still have deeney though. i too enjoy league 1 stories, we all know its where the action is :)

and by the way, if you beat charlton i will pay a mod to have you infracted :$
 
alicwkd said:
good story so far this mate. byfield, obika and rodriguez are all good players, shame you dont still have deeney though. i too enjoy league 1 stories, we all know its where the action is :)

and by the way, if you beat charlton i will pay a mod to have you infracted :$
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Thanks :D Haha I just drew to Charlton with 10 men actually! Yeah, could do with Deeney now :( Having to play 4-5-1 as I only have 2 strikers!

---------- Post added at 01:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:56 AM ----------

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MELLIS IN ON LOAN
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Mellis before his move to Aston Villa

Following the recent link up between Aston Villa and Walsall, Aston Villa have decided to send out 19 year old Jacob Mellis on loan for a season at League One side Walsall.

Seeing as you have 5 centre midfielders now and only 2 strikers, shouldnt you be looking to improve the forward positions?
Obviously I have been on the look out for strikers but there is nothing out there. Jacob [Mellis] will improve this squad and he has an attacking mentality so that helps us out. When Villa ask us to take him on loan for free, we arent going to say no. We have a very small squad so every little helps!

But you are looking for a striker right?
Correct, I would be stupid to want to go the season with 2 strikers. Let's not forget that Stevey J [Steve Jones] can also play upfront, so if we do need someone there is him, so you could say we have 3 strikers for a formation where only 1 is needed.​

---------- Post added at 01:21 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:03 AM ----------

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​
2nd October 2010
Swindon 2-1 Walsall
Goals: Richard Taundry '81

6th October 2010 (JPT North 2nd Round)
Northampton 3-3 Walsall (Walsall win on Penalties)
Goals: Steve Jones '3 '83 '90+3
Richard Taundry sent off '77

9th October 2010
Walsall 1-3 Shrewsbury
Goals: Julian Gray '2​

16th October 2010
Leyton Orient 1-0 Walsall

23rd October 2010
Walsall 1-1 Charlton
Goals: Jacob Mellis '57
Steve Jennings sent off '76

30th October 2010
Notts County 0-1 Walsall
Goals: Julian Gray '45+1

A very poor month for us with only 2 wins, 1 on penalties to League 2 side Northampton. Happy to be in the JPT Quarter Finals though! We're currently 13th in League One 5 points off relegation and 7 points off play-offs.​


​
 
Mellis is a beast mate. Done great for my Leeds in the Prem. Keep goin', lookin' good .
 
November 17th 2010

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STRIKER IN ON LOAN
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Newcastle reserve striker now at the Banks's​

Ryan Donaldson from Premiership side Newcastle United has joined Walsall on a 2 month loan to help bolster the Walsall attack.
Walsall have only scored 5 goals in their last 7 league games and Daniel obviously sees it as somewhere that needs improving.
Here is what Daniel had to say..​

He's a good player and I expect him to do really well. Clubs are noticing how much we get out of there young players and are keen to loan them to us which helps them and us so its good. Obviously we need more goals but it's also that I cant have 2 upfront really when I only have 2 strikers anyway. So this 3rd striker enables me to change the formation to being abit more attack minded.​

Ryan Donaldson, are you looking forward to the challenge?
Yeah I am really looking forward to having a regular run in the side, I just hope I can impress quickly. It's important I think to have a lot of young players who really want to play and the boss knows that and he's taking advantage of it which is the right thing to do.​

If you had a good 2 months, would you be prepared to stay until the end of the season? Other youngsters have loved there time here.
Yeah I honestly would. Aslong as I am getting some playing time then I would certainly consider staying until the end of the season. Yeah I know others have loved it here I know Jay [Rodriguez] and he said to me it's a great place to come to and really said to try it out. Look at him now? He's in the Burnley side and has only missed 2 games this season. He also got to help this club too which is something I want to do as I am grateful that they want me here.​

---------- Post added at 03:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:30 PM ----------

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6th November 2010 (FA Cup 1st Round)
Newport County 2-3 Walsall
Goals: Alex Nicholls '29 Clayton McDonald '45 Manny Smith '67​

10th November 2010 (JPT Quarter Final - North)
Walsall 1-1 Carlisle (Walsall win on Penalties)
Goals: Alex Nicholls '82​

13th November 2010
Walsall 0-1 Brentford​

20th November 2010
Walsall 2-0 Yeovil
Goals: Steve Jones '46 Jacob Mellis '56​

23rd November 2010
Walsall 2-2 MK Dons
Goals: Darren Byfield '25 Julian Gray '56​

27th November 2010 (FA Cup 2nd Round)
Walsall 3-1 Woking
Goals: Darren Byfield '15 PEN '35 Alex Nicholls '21​

30th November 2010
Tranmere 2-2 Walsall
Goals: Steve Jones '25 '90+3​
 
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Great story !

How much per week is Edgar Davids on ?
 
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INTERVIEW WITH THE
SADDLERS BOSS

E&S today went to the Banks's Stadium where Walsall boss Daniel took time out of his busy schedule to have a lengthy interview with us.

Firstly, thankyou for taking the time to have this interview with us. How do you think you're getting on so far this season?
No problem at all. I am reasonably happy to be honest. Would be nicer to be in play-offs but we're exactly 10 points off both relegation and play-offs. Hopefully we can turn a few more losses into wins and we might just sneak in through the backdoor.

Reports earlier in the season suggested that you were not happy with the board, can you confirm or deny?
Erm, well... To be honest I dont want to fall out with anybody about anything. I am so grateful to Jeff [Bonser] for giving me the chance here. I took on the job knowing we were limited with our funds. We dont have a bottomless pit of money and we never will unless some multi billionaire takes over. I'll just have to work with what I have. Aslong as we improve season after season then the club's doing something right.

Are you happy with your squad?
No. I think we need more players and I would like to strengthen quite a few positions but going back to what I said.. I'll have to work with what I have.

Lots of people know Walsall have a good youth academy and have helped a lot of youngsters in the past, is this important to you?
Yeah it is we've got Will Grigg, Sean Geddes and in particular Darryl Westlake who are the main 3 to be pushing for first team starts. Ofcourse its important, especially to clubs like us who cant just go out and buy anybody they want.

Some of your players have been linked with moves away, Alex Nicholls is catching the attention of clubs in higher leagues.. As is youngster Darryl Westlake, what do you have to say about that?
Al [Alex Nicholls] and Darryl Westlake arent going anywhere. Westlake is pushing Simek all the way for that right back spot and Nicholls is one of our main men if we want to push on and improve.

Ok, we'll end with where do you see this club in 12 months from now? So December 2011.
Play-offs. I really do. If we can bring in another 3-4 players in the summer then play-offs for sure. Otherwise maybe another mid-table position. We wont stop pushing for play-offs this season though and who knows? This time next year we could be in the Championship!

Ok thankyou for this interview Daniel.
No problem, thankyou.​

---------- Post added at 01:45 AM ---------- Previous post was yesterday at 10:38 PM ----------

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4th December 2010
Barnsley 1-2 Walsall
Goals: Ryan Donaldson '30 Alex Nicholls '52

11th December 2010
Walsall 1-1 Crystal Palace
Goals: Alex Nicholls '37

14th December 2010 (JPT North Semi Final)
Shrewsbury 0-3 Walsall
Goals: Paul Marshall '28 '59 Darren Byfield '78

18th December 2010
Plymouth 1-0 Walsall

28th December 2010
Colchester 1-2 Walsall
Goals: Darren Byfield '23 Julian Gray '63​
 
owen7 said:
Good update mate! You should possibly use a teams badge on who your facing so it livens the update up instead of being mostly text :) Still great though and maybe for the results tell us maybe something/ a screen shot? :D Really good though mate.

Also mate any chance you could give a post/follow our story: http://www.fm-base.co.uk/forum/f81/arsenal-a-niel-error-t45188.html ?
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Thanks for the tips mate :D Just checked yours, good start! Following it :)

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16th January 2011​
I'LL TAKE WALSALL TO WEMBLEY!
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Wembley - Where Walsall have never been!

Walsall manager Daniel has told BBC he believes he can take Walsall to there first ever Wembley appearance. They take on Oldham in 2 days time in the Johnstones Paint Trophy Final 1st leg, at Boundary Park. Oldham sit in 19th place in League One and Walsall find themselves favourites to get to Wembley.

How would you feel, as a fan of the club taking them to Wembley for the first time?
Oh for me it would be fantastic. The fans would love it too and it would be great for the club. I am actually really confident though. We're in great form.​

In a way would you be silencing critics who labelled you 'Mr Unknown'?
Erm, I'm not really fussed about that to be honest I was 'Mr Unknown!' Hopefully if we get to Wembley I wont be labelled that but it doesnt bother me.

You seem to have got all the fans on your side, how does that make you feel?
Well that's a success in itself. They werent happy when I took over but I totally understand that. I think I have changed there opinion of me though.​
 
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RYAN NOBLE IN ON LOAN
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Ryan Noble at Sunderland - Before his move to Manchester City​

Daniel has signed up Manchester Cityr reserve striker Ryan Noble on a loan until the end of the season.​

We need to strengthen upfront and Noble can help us alot, he's a good player and very quick which we will look to use as an advantage.​

Ryan Noble had this to say:
I spoke to McGivern who I obviously know as he's a Manchester City player and this is his 2nd season on loan here. He basically sold the club to me, he said it's a great club and the club will help me aslong as I help the club. I know Paul [Marshall] too and Clayton McDonald. They used to be at City and Walsall have brought them in so its a bit like home from home!​
 
Good signing mate, he should help you with his pace. Hope he works out for you :)
 
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1st January 2011 - FA Cup 3rd Round
Barnsley 2-4 Walsall
Goals: Ryan Donaldson '45 '59 Darren Byfield '73 Alex Nucholls '78​

8th January 2011
Oldham 1-2 Walsall
Goals: Matt Richards '50 Darren Byfield '77​

12th January 2011
Walsall 2-2 Rotherham
Goals: Alex Nicholls '7 Julian Gray '31​

15th January 2011
Walsall 3-0 Exeter
Goals: Alex Nicholls '10 '29 Ryan Noble '89​

18th January 2011 - JPT North Final 1st Leg
Oldham 0-2 Walsall
Goals: Ryan Donaldson '11 Steve Jennings '45​

22nd January 2011 - FA Cup 4th Round
Fulham 4-2 Walsall
Goals: Ryan Donaldson '47 '78​

26th January 2011
Walsall 2-2 Wycombe
Goals: Paul Marshall '86 Julian Gray '90+4​

29th January 2011
Walsall 1-1 Gillingham
Goals: Ryan Noble '70​

Player of The Month
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Ryan Donaldson - Striker​
 
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Good results mate, unlucky against Fulham :( What place are you in the table again? Give a screenshot or something mate
 
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WALSALL STRUGGLE WITH INJURIES
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Darren Byfield is just one of 7 injuries.​

Daniel is struggling to even pick a team to play Oldham in the Johnstone Paint Trophy 2nd leg. Daniel's side have an unbelievable 7 injuries going into this Tuesdays match meaning Daniel only has 16 available players.​

We're in a very difficult position going into this game. I have 16 players. I cant even fill the bench.. I have 7 places on that bench and I can only have 5 people on the bench. I'm playing defensive midfielders on the right because Stevey J [Steve Jones] is out. I'm playing a centre midfielder on the left and a centre midfielder upfront. Not to mention the right back playing at left back.​

---------- Post added at 11:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:00 PM ----------

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PLAN YOUR JOURNEY..
WE'RE ON OUR WAY!
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See you there Saddlers!

Just under 2 years ago fans were cursing Walsall chairman Jeff Bonser for appointing unknown man Daniel.
Today he has guided the club to its first ever Wembley appearance!​

It started well for Walsall as Julian Gray, back from injury, put Walsall 3-0 up on aggregate on the first minute with a close range finish after the Oldham goalkeeper had parried the ball straight to him.
Oldham got right back into it by making it 3-1 just 4 minutes later.
Oldham then worried the Saddlers by scoring what was tonights winner on the 37th minute. Kelvin Etuhu making the most of sloppy Saddlers defending.
There wont be many finger nails left today though as Walsall fans held on through the 2nd half despite the nerves.​

Daniel, you've guided Walsall to its first ever Wembley appearance, must be good right?
Oh its amazing. What a feeling! I'm a fan of this club and to take this club to Wembley, is amazing. It's a chance for the whole town to get behind the club. From this day forward the fans can be proud of this club.​

Despite the injuries how did you ensure the victory?
Ask the players! I just told them to remember if Oldham scored, we would be in for a nervous game. Luckily we went 3-0 up within the first 2 minutes and how important was that! Ended up being the winner.​

Darren Byfield how does this feel? First Wembley appearance!
I cant believe it. I've been in a final with this club before but it was at the Millenium Stadium. This will be fantastic for the lads. We'll all want to be a part!​

At that point we had to quickly get from the pitch as the fans stormed the pitch, as expected following the clubs first ever appearance at Wembley.


Que Sera Sera, Whatever will be, will be. We're going to Wembley! Que Sera Sera!​
 
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2nd February 2011
Hartlepool 1-1 Walsall
Goals: Paul Marshall '83​

5th February 2011
Bristol Rovers 0-0 Walsall​

9th February 2011
Walsall 0-2 Brighton​

12th February 2011
Walsall 1-3 Sheffield Wednesday
Goals: Ryan Donaldson '26​

15th February 2011 - JPT North Final 2nd Leg
Walsall (3) 1-2 (2) Oldham
Goals: Julian Gray '2​

19th February 2011
Shrewsbury 0-1 Walsall
Goals: Paul Marshall​

22nd February 2011
Millwall 1-4 Walsall
Goals: Matt Richards '35 Ryan Donaldson '42 '51 '62​

We're currently 14th.
10 Points from Play-Offs.
15 Points from Relegation​

Player of the Month
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Jonny Brain - Goalkeeper​
 
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