Rat Runs, Jonahs and Life After Dean …

“That A5 bit at Churchbridge is the tricky bit,” Andy warned me at the game on Saturday. We were going through the complex arrangements necessary to get all of us to Greenhous Meadow, Shrewsbury on Tuesday evening.

As plans unfolded I would try to get away from work, drive to Four Ashes to pick Andy up from work, then drive on to Shrewsbury.

I know a rat run to avoid the Churchbridge islands (A5, crossing the M6 toll and the A34 and the Orbital Way which leads to an out of town shopping centre and the tip (oh and Cannock).

I have enough time as it happens to drop in to home, eat a tasty bacon sandwich, then set off. A second “alternative route” I was going to use to save time ended up with barriers closing the road. A frustratingly short distance from where I needed to be; but I had time to spare.

We compared our busy days before we remembered we are without the “ginger Mourinho” and talked about histories of managers and players leaving (in some cases, like Paul Merson) player managers indeed.

So may names have been linked to the job by the papers: Tim Sherwood, Shaun O’Driscoll, David Kelly, Dean Holden, Paul Tisdale (Exeter City), and Adam Murray (Mansfield Town). At work an Everton supporter suggested David Moyes (I think perhaps he doesn’t quite grasp what paupers we actually are).

Also linked is Mickey Mellon, currently ensconced at Shrewsbury. What a great idea: stir up things by suggesting the next manager might be working at the club you are playing next.  Between us we decide that, in reality, nobody in authority at Walsall has even thought about drawing up any kind of list, other than who to send Christmas cards to and who to buy presents for. Too, too early. Not that this will stop the speculation.

We slide gently onto the M54 by the new i-54 centre (Jaguar Land Rover one of our Midlands success stories, will be looking to boost production and expand their plant in the near future. Real jobs, producing something: bostin’ !

Off the M54, round  a few roundabouts to find a parking space at the Brooklands Hotel  near to the ground: traditional nesting space for some years now. And we’re early enough to get a seat in the “posh end” of the pub; clearly a couple of blokes who will not be disturbing the peace then.  And are discussing the dominoes tables when the rest of the crew arrive. JB, Jack, and, making their season’s debuts (I think) Big Mike and Matt the Painter.

Crisps, Bombay mixes and lightweight banter. Then the stroll defying traffic on a number of dual-carriageway islands to show our tickets and take our places (not even remotely connected to the numbers on the tickets!

I find out later that there are, give or take, 1,500 Saddlers fans there; noisy, witty and in good voice. Just as well; I am losing mine! It is not far, but this is still a good turnout: Tuesday night and close to Christmas after all.

We have the same team out that began the game against Bradford. Looking sharp and busy. Shrewsbury look second best but still manage to get a frustratingly good percentage of the fifty fifty balls and rebounds. Sawyers and Evans have a couple of shots that come off the posts.

Then, one on one with Etheridge Larnell Cole scores.

It would have been possible that, having been deserted by the management team and going a goal down – against the run of play  team might have curled up and given up. This team? No! They quickly regroup, stung into action. Milan Lalkovic, never short of fire and passion, takes a ball from sawyers and raps it into the Shrewsbury goal. Half time: one all.

Painterman Matt is downcast (or attention seeking), going on about being a bad-luck charm. we cannot remember the  lasttime he came to a match … and he is not famous for winter matches. we talk about work, changing jobs ( a tralerman next maybe?) and I hope I convince him he is not the Jonah he thinks he is.

But we think we will miss Tom Bradshaw, who has gone off, following a hefty tackle from  Antony Gerrard (once a Walsall player, but looking really a tad overweight now). There is no messing: Bradshaw limps off the field of play and down the tunnel.

Jordan Cook comes on. He doesn’t have the physique, the match fitness (perhaps) and we wonder how we will get a grip on the second half. While we are wondering this, however, we are surrounded by a thousand and more positive thinking Walsall supporters who have anew song or tow.

“They’ve got Mourinho,

We’ve got the physio”

Shrewsbury are being stretched by skilful passing from the whistle. Rico Henry in particular is making space and can dribble like a good ‘un. The home team sink to the  physical. The referee has let some of this go, but by seventy minutes is sending Ian Black off: second bookable offence. He doesn’t like it: argues, stands at the edge of the pitch like an unruly, sulking schoolkid.

Then Walsall are in full flight, but they would have been anyway.

Cook grows in confidence. From a corner – completely unmarked at the far post Downing rises majestically and nods in an easy goal. His first of the season. We go just a little bit crazy – and some guy in a silver jacket, who has been jeering and gesticulating at us from the Shrewsbury seats gets a full couple of choruses. He is not happy. We are. Even more so when Sawyers slips a ball to Henry who guides it towards Cook. Cook’s first touch is a little too heavy. I think he’s messed it up, but he gets to it and hammers it into the roof of the net. Satisfying!

Three one!

The magic is still with us.

This is brilliant, taking us to third place in league one … but a special note of thanks to the players and staff at the Saddlers for keeping the faith.  

Meanwhile, the Conservative government have actually decided to go to Parliament to seek approval for the Royal Air Force to carry out bombing raids on Islamic State (so called) in Syria. They have been coordinating attacks against the same enemy in Iraq after being invited by the Iraqi government, but now want to extend this to raiding ISIS homelands around Raqqa.

David Cameron’s party have avoided doing this up to now, because a no vote would, frankly, have been  embarrassing.

To make matters more interesting, the Labour (her majesty’s Opposition) leader is absolutely anti-war. The question is will he (Jeremy Corbin) issue a party whip and expect his M.Ps. to vote as he would wish or will he/dare he allow a free vote?

Guest of the Sponsors; Barnsley at Home.

Been working in Burton. Usually it’s a half hour drive, but Friday evening there’s a lot of traffic. A mild spell of weather, but going dark – the way it will in central England heading towards the year’s shortest day (21^st December). Surely too early for the Christmas exodus: to airports and warmer climes, to relatives, to the coast. So I am not too fussed. But my headlights aren’t too grand. Maybe covered by all the muck lifted off the road by other traffic?

Then my local radio station informs me the east bound side of the A5 is closed. Road traffic accident. I am puzzled … I am going west, and if the other side is closed my side should have  a far easier ride of it.

Fifteen minutes later I’m still puzzled and in heavy traffic, but feel blessed as I hear news that Air traffic in southern England was thrown into complete chaos this morning when the air-traffic control computer centre in Swanwick went somehow off-line. Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton airports! No flights leaving, few landing, diversions to other airports. The knock on effects of planes and crews being in the wrong places was still going on as I sat there.

 

Up reasonably early on Saturday. Got to Bescot at around midday. Met the head of I.C.A.D., the building company sponsoring the game and the other guests and went into the Bonser Suite. I.C.A.D. have a wonderful history of both building well and satisfying customers and sponsoring a Christmas-nearly home game. My thanks to them for the invitation.

Mick Kearns, former Walsall, Wolves and Eire international goalie is soon there to see if we are settled in, who wants to go on a tour and what needs to be said in the introduction to the public he will give shortly.He is very personable, speaks directly and honestly (even when on radio his comments may be aimed at Walsall and the players) – and that is to his credit. He leads the tour. We start pitch-side, go down the tunnel, turn right into the home team dressing room. Shirts are hung out and Michael Cain is there. I shake his hand. It is explained that all professional players are contracted to report to the club, by 1.20 at the latest every Saturday – playing or not. I had thought the turning up on Saturdays was a voluntary thing – but of course not. The logic had escaped me.

 

The warm-up routines of players is explained but along with the comment that players “back in the day” when Mick was playing ( 1973 – 79 for Walsall and Eire) suffered no more injuries than players today, and we sweep on into the manager’s office where we learn the team hasn’t actually been notified who is playing yet. A few pose for photos with Dean Smith who appears relaxed and friendly, Richard O’Donnell and Jon Witney (physio). We end up singing a rather ragged version of “We wish you a Merry Christmas” and move on to the weights room.

I am surprised by the unexpectedly small scale of the rooms, especially the home dressing room. I am trying to think why they didn’t design the ground with a bigger space. The ground was built from scratch after all: why not give yourselves a bit of luxury?

Back in the Bonser Suite the banter is good and the food better. I had visions of a beer or two, but am driving to the Status Quo concert in the evening so stick with one Coca Cola.

 

Then out for the game. The whole experience is so much different – neither better nor worse, just  different – when you have had  sit-down meal before hand.

Barnsley. Similar position in the middle table as Walsall. Ross Turnbull (wasn’t he Chelsea goalie a while ago?) in goals is a name that leaps out.

Business begins. But they score first. Against the run of play perhaps, but a good goal when the centre half escapes his marker at a corner and heads in.

Walsall stream into the attack. Convincingly, dare I say it – for a change.  We win a corner. It seems to have been wasted, but Jordan Cook is quick. Running away from goal he pivots and smashes a tremendous volley into the back of the net. It is a superb goal!

 

A commentator on TV will later say “I wonder why he decided to make scoring from a corner even more difficult …” smiling as he said it.

There is actually a better view from the allocated “corporate seats” – no girders blocking the view – and the football is much improved too.  A few minutes later Cook turned provider, jinking a tasty ball forwards for Tom Bradshaw, back from his “ballerina injury” to clinically lift the ball into the net. Rico Henry a young left back plays well all game. In the second half – after complementary coffee and cakes – we rule the pitch, although O’Donnell still has to make some smart saves. This will make him our choice for man of the Match.

Late on a good interchange of play sees Manset (on as sub.) carefully and methodically set up Cook for the third and final goal of the day. It rounds off a splendid team performance. But I cannot stop for the man of the Match presentations. I am on the road, picking up and dashing – once again – to the Barclaycard Arena. Almost remembered the way there from last week, but traffic was not heavy and parking in the South Car park easy enough. Box office to wait for tickets to be printed, then in through the hospitality zones and into the darkened arena Chas an’ Dave on stage. Ham-cockneys to the hilt and rather good at it with hundred per cent enthusiasm.

Seats at the end of a row and next to our seats the hall curtained off. Plenty of room.

Quo on – “Caroline” as per usual to start the show, then professional music to the strains of Bye Bye Johnny. None of the sometime-pantomime engaging chatter between songs from Rossi – who took something of a back seat to re-formed, reconstituted Parfitt this evening. But an excellent show.

Status Quo? It must be nearly Christmas!

Oh – and the headlights ? A bulb had gone – all good now it has been replaced (thanks Halfords!).

Poppies and Chesterfield.

 Began the day attacking the Leylandii hedge at the front of the house. It’s really difficult to imagine that the four trees we’re taking down were scrounged from a garden centre skip. But it seems their time has come – and the trimmings are headed for the family bonfire. The rain stays away and it’s windy but not cold. The drive to Bescot takes me along roads that are edged with autumn leaves swept from the trees by the very strong winds of the week. Golds, ochres, yellows, browns and reds.

There are a lot of fans from Chesterfield. They are having a good run having been promoted from League Two last season and riding the mid-table positions well (tenth at start of play today). They fill a fair section of the away end – and they create some noise!

The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal was launched last week and the display at the Tower of London is looking amazing: one poppy for every British serviceman killed during the First World War I think. Its memorable and spectacular. Funds from the sale of poppies goes to help wounded soldiers and their families. Collectors were outside the ground today – I salute them.

This home game was also chosen as the “Kick It Out” match for Saddlers. This raises awareness of racial discrimination at football grounds. It should go without saying – of course – and such events should not be necessary – but the world, unfortunately is what it is and people need reminding. Good that football is playing a part in the campaign.

We have some good news: Tom Bradbury, whose endeavour and energy have impressed me, is back from a hamstring injury –and last year’s Player of the Season, Sam Mantom is fit to return.

Bradbury is our only player to look and act like a striker so far this year. He has a turn of speed, a physical presence and a good eye for goal (five gaols to his name at the kick off). Will there be some kind of up-front partnership with Jordan Cook (who should be match fit after a couple of games in the first team?

No! We are playing four at the back (Richard O’Donnell in goals was formerly at Chesterfield), Chambers as holding midfielder , then Sawyers, Cain, Baxendale and Cook behind Bradbury.

Chesterfield are fast out of the blocks. They confidently and quickly press up the pitch. Our defenders deal well with the pressure when exposed. Purkiss is looking smooth at right back, especially with Andy Taylor opposite him on the left. (Programme notes talk about the wonderful partnership between Mick Evans and Frank Gregg back in the day.

O’Donnell needs to be quick to make saves, but we begin to create chances as play see-saws up and down the pitch. Downing makes a few careless mistakes, giving the ball away needlessly. But is covered effectively.  

Purkiss and Taylor raid effectively down the wings, Sawyers is good at close control but must move towards the ball more often: he’s losing the ball when faster players read the game and nip in first… and Chesterfield are good at this. Bradbury covers all of the forward line, keeping all four defenders busy. But, in doing this he inevitably runs into dead ends and we are short of somebody nipping into the hole in the middle. Sawyers? Manset (on the bench)? Cook?

At half time some servicemen veterans are welcomed onto the field as part of the Poppy Appeal launch. A good community thing to do. Well done my team!

We are not down-hearted at half time. Inside for a quick coffee, we talked about the visit to Tallinn, families, work and a possible trip to Notts County next week. Then back out again for a better second half. Baxendale replaced by Forde after fifty eight minutes and it made the difference. He is quick, confident and his runs effective, taking the initiative and defenders out of the game. A quick bout of inter-passing involving him, Cain, sawyers and Bradbury ended with a beautiful ball laid into Bradbury’s feet – and he made no mistake.  Goal – and a well-worked one too. The Walsall crowd were delighted. So was Bradbury, mobbed by players on the goal line he was booked. I am surprised. Why was he booked? He didn’t leave the pitch. Didn’t jump into the crowd.

We wondered whether he had made some sarcastic remark to the referee who had failed to give Bradbury any of the free-kicks when fouled, tripped, pushed or knocked off the ball by defenders.

Sawyers later got a free kick with a super piece of skill; the ball long gone from the back of his heel before a surprised defender took both of his feet away. Sam Mantom comes on. he looks a little off the pace – no surprises there but is influential in keeping things calm. Would have been a shock if, after all the waiting and build up our talismanic midfielder brought us no good.

Chesterfield players seemed to lose a bit of heart, began arguing with one another (two of their forwards did this in the first half when one fluffed a good chance – and seemed to want the other, running off the ball for him, to take the blame). But, never a team to make it easy on the fans some slack defending gives Chesterfield a couple of great chances. They miss.

A couple of people sitting to my right were taking copious notes: one I seem to think is a journalist. He upped and left with ten minutes to go, but was soon back with a steward; he couldn’t find his car keys. They were not anywhere near where he had been sitting.

Then the whistle was going and I was on my happy way to the car. To be met with the almost incredible sporting news that Birmingham City – who sacked manager Lee Clark this week – lost at home to Bournemouth 8 – 0. Eight, count ‘em, nil!

At home I find an amusing Tweet from a Saddlers fan which goes something like

“Saw a Birmingham City fan nail his season ticket to a tree and walk away. Took it: you can never have too many nails!”

The first round of the F.A. Cup is drawn on Monday. All being well I will be in Tallinn, but it’ll be interesting to see who we get.

What a difference a win makes … and I expect Dean Smith is feeling a little more relaxed too… and the clocks “fall” back overnight.

Images: Tower of London: Stoke Sentinel

Sawyers/Bradbury: http://www.fiveyearplanfanzine.co.uk

Match action: Walsall Advertiser

 

 

 

Cornish Sunburn and the Commonwealth.

Ouch! Got up this morning after a poor night’s sleep. Intense headache. True to a morning ritual, turned on BBC morning TV. Straight into a shot of what looked like the beach we were on* – and getting sunburned (!) – last week in North Cornwall. An item about a people-science jellyfish survey. Coincidence or what? We actually visited the Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay and my favourite tank there was the one with the moon jellyfish circulating – and the neighbouring tanks with different stages of jellyfish development.

This item was followed by one on the Commonwealth Games; the opening ceremony is on Wednesday. “The friendly games”. Fifty three nations and territories from what started off as the Victorian British Empire meeting and competing in Glasgow. Earlier this week there was  a rather stunning and pictorially brilliant programme titled The seven Wonders of the Commonwealth. Dan Snow, Denise Lewis (former gold medallist turned presenter), Reggie Yates, Anita Rani and Claire Balding variously in the Sundarbans, Papua, New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, New Zealand’s fiordland, Victoria Falls (“the Smoke that Thunders”), the Namib Desert and Fingal’s Cave … Funny I have been to Namibia, but hadn’t realised it was part of the Commonwealth. Of course during these games there is no Team GB, we have teams from each of the states and nations: anybody here from the Isle of Man?

   

Also on the news: more about the crashed Malaysian flight disaster. Overflying the Ukraine it may well have been shot down by Russian separatist or loyal Ukrainian forces. Or something more innocent altogether. But at the moment the separatists who occupy the crash site area will not let investigators in to find out more. The Palestinian Israeli conflict continues to worsen: neither side seeming to be able to accept even the shortest of cease-fire arrangements. Genuine political grievances aside this is another example of ordinary people (on both sides) suffering for an intangible greater good.

While we were away the F.I.F.A. World Cup Finals came to a close. Brazil looking poor and needing sympathy. Germany beating Argentina and Holland taking third place. But, being on a seaside, family holiday there were other priorities.

Oh, and we watched the intriguing sagas in the Tour de France as one by one those who started as favourites literally crashed out: Chris Froome, Mark Cavendish … and being away with a couple of serious cyclists has that must-watch effect on me.

Meanwhile Walsall’s low-budget publicity machine made much of the signing of – is he a winger or a striker  – Jordan Cook, from Shrewsbury and a lot of hype around “the youngsters” coming through the ranks (Reece Flanagan and Amado Bakayoko); only for Cook to turn an ankle in a friendly game (which we lost 2-1) and put himself in doubt for the start of the season. Local paper, the Express and Star quotes Dean Smith as saying, something like “I will be looking at strikers over the next couple of weeks.” Not really a surprising reaction.

Smith has been very good in the past at getting quality/overlooked players to Bescot on loan. It is to be hoped he can continue to work that kind of magic. I am looking forward to the season beginning but sense we need some firepower and some experience to go with it.

Need to stop typing now, that headache is starting to return.

*Actually, for accuracy, it wasn’t the same beach (Constantine ) but one nearby at Perranporth.