By Happy Saddler
March 9 2005

Is Merson trying to build for the future or are we trying to get a squad for next year on the cheap? We have failed dismally this year. Next season we want success, not more of the same I fully understand the benefits of creating stability at a football club. However, I am struggling to understand the reasoning behind giving 3 of the youngsters new 2 year deals.

There is no doubting that we have under performed this year. We still aren’t safe from relegation. This is down to a number of things. Firstly, Merson has admitted that he got things wrong formation wise during the first half of the season. There is also the fact that the players have under performed and that the quality of the players is somewhat suspect.

I therefore find it a bit strange that 2 year deals have been offered to players who have contributed to our poor season.

I may be totally wrong on this one but Mark Wright is not, in my opinion, a particularly good right back. He is a converted winger that seriously struggles in the art of defending. Merse appears to be under the impression he is Walsall’s right sided answer to Ashley Cole.

Even stranger is the two year contract offered to Joe Broad. Without being a complete statto I think the number of starts he has made this season could possibly be counted on one hand. But, he is a good professional so has been offered a new deal!!

The one offer I fully agree with is that of Kris Taylor. After his loan spell at Burton he came back with fire in his belly and demonstrated what a potentially gifted player he is.

However, next season sees the introduction of the transfer window to the lower leagues. Without the ability to utilise short term loans the size of squad will need to be increased to provide cover for suspensions and injuries.

Could that be the reason behind the deals? Or is it ‘cause they’re cheap? Hmm!