By Alan Stokes
January 12 2003

With established first division players in the Walsall squad, why is the club under achieving? Many people are suggesting the current state of the pitch is the cause of our poor league position. I do not subscribe to this theory. The vast majority of Saddlers fans are of the opinion that the current collection of footballers Colin Lee has assembled at Bescot make up one of the best squads Walsall Football Club have had for many a year. Why, therefore, is this current squad currently languishing just above the relegation zone with the points gap between ourselves and the doomed clubs narrowing at an alarming rate?

Many people are suggesting that the current state of the Bescot pitch is the cause of our current plight. Arguments are being put forward that the team are unable to play free flowing, attacking, passing football on such a poor surface and as a result we are struggling in the league. I do not subscribe to this theory.

For sure, the state of the pitch does not help the brand of football the team would like to play but neither should it be used as an excuse for the clubs poor league standing.

If, as people are suggesting, the team requires a good pitch in order to produce 3 points there has been plenty of opportunity to do this prior to the recent bad weather which has helped the pitch to cut up so badly. The Bescot pitch was in perfect playing condition when the team lost at home to Rotherham, Bradford, Reading and Ipswich. The team has also played on very good pitches away from home so what excuse is there for such a poor away record?

The simple fact is that the team have won only 8 matches so far this season on pitches that have been good, bad or indifferent. Given the quality of players the club have, this is a pathetic return. Walsall currently boast players who have been there, done that and have a first division T shirt such as Bazeley, O Connor, Corica, Carbon etc etc. Why is it then that these established players are not producing the goods?

As I have already discounted the pitch as the reason the team are under performing it could be that the players simply are not good enough. Again, I don’t think that this alone is the reason as good players do not suddenly become inept over night.

Maybe the reason is that the players are playing in a way that does not suit them. Maybe the constant changing of formations is having a negative effect. Whatever the reason, Colin Lee needs to understand where the club is failing and do something about it.

Maybe, Colin Lee needs to luck into a mirror to find the answer. Discuss.