As Walsall currently top the Sky Bet League 1 table, guest blogger Kevin Janes considers whether 2015/16 could be the season that sees the Saddlers achieve their long-desired promotion to the Championship.
I think it’s safe to say that, even though it has had its moments and no doubt there is still some to come in the final weeks, but the year 2015 has been one of the most memorable for Walsall in their 127 year history. Some of these moments include beating Manchester United and Newcastle in the same season during their FA cup run, Winning promotion a number of times, and the signing of Paul Merson (depending how your view that period in the club history) but 2015 saw Walsall reach Wembley for the very first time in the JPT Trophy, back in March, Hosting Chelsea in the Capital One Cup third round, first time Walsall have reached this round in over 10 years, and the financial situation at Walsall is something that should be looked at as a success as the club have recorded a profit now for many years unlike many teams up and down the country.
The start of the current Football season has added to the joy which can be seen at the club from the players, who seem to be really enjoying football in the Saddlers Ranks at the moment, but also within the fan who firmly believe that regardless of who we are playing, this could be Gillingham, Burton of even Chelsea, the team selected for that game will go out and beat the opposition and continue in this great form Walsall have seem to have hit.
Does this mean Walsall are set for Promotion this year?
The season may only be 12 games old but so far this season but Walsall are currently sitting top of the League one table, and seem to be in good form. They have won 7 games, which is half of the amount they managed to win the entire previous two seasons, and three behind the 2011 - 2012 season. This alone would show that all the hard work Smith, and all the backroom staff, started to put into place the past three seasons is starting to now come together. The season is still very early with another 30+ games to play and a lot of points to pick up and potentially give away. What about the strength of the squad. Well Richard O’Donnell may have parted ways this past summer, but Walsall managed to keep hold of Bradshaw which was a big boost for the team as Bradshaw was the club's highest goalscorer last season. But Bradshaw is not the only player getting on the score sheet this season, with Sawers and Mantom netting 8 goals between them, which is also very good as Walsall always seem to be lost when their top scorer is missing for any games. The fact this season, though it is always good to seen Bradshaw in the starting 11, there is a lot of trust that Sawyers and Manton are more than capable to continue putting in the goals.
The defense is just as good as ever, with only 6 goals against them so far, proves this defense does not need to be sold to anyone about being one of the best in the football league. This is bound to be tested in the run up, and over the Christmas period, as come the turn of the year Walsall would of potentially played 24 games, and to keep up the quality they have done the first 12 games, would be tough or any team. The possible good side to this season is that Walsall are out two cup, which will hopefully mean more focus on the league and less games for the team to get through.
All of the above does not guarantee a promotion for Walsall and I will admit more than anyone it’s hard not to get carried away with the momentum, especially after the way the season has started, the Wembley trip last season, and the fantastic praise given about the club from Jose Mourinho, but it is a a very long season and there is a very long way to go. The Christmas period will be the defining point for Walsall, and if we can still perform the way we are going into 2016 and beyond then the team and fan would be forgiven for considering that Promotion may be on the cards.
Only time will tell!
BY | KEVIN JANES | @kevjanes