By OneNil
March 2 2003

At the end of every week comes The Week That Was, a comprehensive review of all things Saddlers over the past seven days including two games and a new signing. <p>At the end of every week comes The Week That Was, a comprehensive review of all things Saddlers over the past seven days. <p>

<p>This week we have two big games and a new signing to look back upon; On Tuesday night, everyone travelled to the Britannia Stadium - home of Stoke City - in hope of a first away victory since September against the First Division’s bottom team. However things went horribly wrong as the side from the Potteries bounced back from their six nil humiliation against Forest to defeat us with a goal from Lee Mills. The ex Wolves, Port Vale and Coventry striker converted a Wayne Thomas cross against a club who had attempted to sign him earlier this season – however we were unable to afford his wages. <p>

<p>The fans were understandably displeased, especially with the first half performance. It could have been much more however, if it had not been for Jimmy Walker and his efforts were rewarded with a unique feat; for Jimmy became the first player to poll maximum votes on TheSaddlersFC Man of the Match vote! <p>

<p>Without the injured Jorge Leitao, the Saddler’s striking options were limited to Junior and David Zdrilic who both noticeably struggled in the air and never looked like scoring. Thus, it was a nice surprise when Colin Lee announced the signing of Chris Shuker on Thursday. Before Thursday, I thought of Shuker as that young striker at Man City who had scored early on in the season but hadn’t played much recently. In fact, when we were linked with Darren Huckerby earlier on this season, I said to myself “Wouldn’t we have more chance of getting that Shuker?!?”. <p>

<p>Today is Sunday and I am now far more qualified to comment on the youngster. Yesterday he ran himself ragged and he will give us a totally new dimension up front. He may only be 5”5 but he more than makes up for his lack of height and looks to have a few goals in him – in fact, he scored within 10 minutes of his Man City debut. As for our other debutant, Vinny Samways had a solid game and looks to have the same leadership qualities as our skipper – so now we have 2 Martin O’Connors in our midfield! <p>

<p>The lads did well to get three points yesterday; we rode our look at times and were indebted to Jimmy making some great saves, the goal line clearances from Ropes and Robinson and the disallowing of Wetherall’s ‘goal’. Bradford looked dangerous at times, with Scotland international Andy Gray and ex Saddler Gus Uhlenbeek looking dangerous. I’m glad that we couldn’t afford the wages of Jamie Lawrence – he looked ordinary yesterday and wouldn’t, in my opinion, have improved our team. Incidentally, our luck made up for the fact that the referee was poor… <p>

<p>On the local radio in Bradford, pundit Ian Omenroyd was talking about the match; unlike most pundits, he seems to talk sense; firstly he predicted big things from youngster Danny Forrest, 18, who promptly scored the stunning overhead kick that equalised Robinson’s goal. Then the ex Villa striker analysed a Walsall side who “look very strong on paper and perhaps should be in the top half of the table…”<p>

<p>Elsewhere on the Bescot transfer front, Francis Doe’s trial was cut short by injury but he will return in the summer. Colin Lee was also linked with 23 year old Irish striker Kevin McHugh of Finn Harps and is rumoured to be considering a move in the summer. <p>

<p>Finally, this year Walsall have given the fans a chance to choose next seasons kit….although there isn’t much choice! Controversially, this season’s (popular) kit was the first to be voted off which has left fans wondering if there is a hidden agenda at the club - have a look at our message board for what everyone has to say….<p>