Pre-Match View From Walsall

[ChipButtyBlade]

Scouse De Bruyne surely?

Wi Duffy being ginge i'll give you that one.

 

[Blade for Sale]

The Turkish Messi.

Mezze?

 

[Bladesway]

“Well we smashed them 2-1 in the Waste-of-Time Trophy. Let’s try that again!”

How do you smash a team by 1 goal?

We did exactly that to Bury last week.

 

[Boxer Blade]

I've worked you out Roy, after the last few years of comments about how crap we are, how our fans are shit and we are billy big bollocks, you thought how can I cheer our lot up? I know, I'll make the comments up! bingo we're all happy, we think everybody likes us and appreciate our free flowing football, now make sure you get the comments from walsall's forum, you crafty little git. ;-)

 

[TCsLoveChild]

Oztumer was the best opposition player I saw at the Lane last season.

Was he the Dwarf who played against us in the wasteotime cup? UTB

 

[Weasel]

Do you think he signed the bloke thinking "haa haa, this will fuck things up royally?" Hindsight is great to have but I don't remember everyone giving it "don't sign him" when he came in.

Personally, no i dont think he signed anyone with the intention of 'fucking things up royally'. That aside, whether that was his intention or not on this signing, i do think he was culpable for a generally poor performance as manager in the league (fair play to him in the cup comps as he did well there) whilst he was here. He made too many mistakes in the transfer market, squandered a huge playing budget for this league, brought in many high wage players who were very poor players or who gave a very poor return in value for the money spent (Higdon, McEve, Wallace, Brayford) whilst he obstinately refused to see glaring errors or deficiencies like bringing in reinforcements at centre half, bringing a keeper to replace the underperforming Howard and a inexperienced Long, playing totally negative football with a safety first we shall take a draw default position, and was falling out with players left right and centre (Butler). Now im not saying it was all bad, but he certainly didnt come out of it in my mind with much credit. I expected a lot lot more from a man who has been in the game for many years. He under achieved, simple as. No malice on his part but his time at the Lane wasnt good enough. I note Brayford apart he hasnt been back in for any of his ex players at the Lane has he ? Theres probably a reason for that i.e he himself recognises that he made major mistakes at the Lane.

I hold no malice against him, just that i recognise he failed. No more than that.

 

[Harry's Game]

Just win United... that is all.

 

[Minty]

Was he the Dwarf who played against us in the wasteotime cup? UTB

Possibly but I didn't go.

However, he played for Posh last season and absolutely ran rings round us and scored two great goals - one of the best performances I've seen from an opposition player.

According to the Posh fans at the time though, he has bags of ability but can be inconsistent, so hopefully tomorrow night he will have an off day because he's a reet handful if on fire!

 

[wizadry]

Personally, no i dont think he signed anyone with the intention of 'fucking things up royally'. That aside, whether that was his intention or not on this signing, i do think he was culpable for a generally poor performance as manager in the league (fair play to him in the cup comps as he did well there) whilst he was here. He made too many mistakes in the transfer market, squandered a huge playing budget for this league, brought in many high wage players who were very poor players or who gave a very poor return in value for the money spent (Higdon, McEve, Wallace, Brayford) whilst he obstinately refused to see glaring errors or deficiencies like bringing in reinforcements at centre half, bringing a keeper to replace the underperforming Howard and a inexperienced Long, playing totally negative football with a safety first we shall take a draw default position, and was falling out with players left right and centre (Butler). Now im not saying it was all bad, but he certainly didnt come out of it in my mind with much credit. I expected a lot lot more from a man who has been in the game for many years. He under achieved, simple as. No malice on his part but his time at the Lane wasnt good enough. I note Brayford apart he hasnt been back in for any of his ex players at the Lane has he ? Theres probably a reason for that i.e he himself recognises that he made major mistakes at the Lane.

I hold no malice against him, just that i recognise he failed. No more than that.

I agree with a lot of what you say but I think he would've come in for more players from us had he still been in league one.

 

[Bladesway]

Personally, no i dont think he signed anyone with the intention of 'fucking things up royally'. That aside, whether that was his intention or not on this signing, i do think he was culpable for a generally poor performance as manager in the league (fair play to him in the cup comps as he did well there) whilst he was here. He made too many mistakes in the transfer market, squandered a huge playing budget for this league, brought in many high wage players who were very poor players or who gave a very poor return in value for the money spent (Higdon, McEve, Wallace, Brayford) whilst he obstinately refused to see glaring errors or deficiencies like bringing in reinforcements at centre half, bringing a keeper to replace the underperforming Howard and a inexperienced Long, playing totally negative football with a safety first we shall take a draw default position, and was falling out with players left right and centre (Butler). Now im not saying it was all bad, but he certainly didnt come out of it in my mind with much credit. I expected a lot lot more from a man who has been in the game for many years. He under achieved, simple as. No malice on his part but his time at the Lane wasnt good enough. I note Brayford apart he hasnt been back in for any of his ex players at the Lane has he ? Theres probably a reason for that i.e he himself recognises that he made major mistakes at the Lane.

I hold no malice against him, just that i recognise he failed. No more than that.

Second season he did fail, but we fired him too soon. Doesn't matter now anyhow because we finally got the right man in for the job.

 

[wizadry]

Second season he did fail, but we fired him too soon. Doesn't matter now anyhow because we finally got the right man in for the job.

The doesn't matter now quote is worth a like on it's own, totally agree Bw.

 

[TCsLoveChild]

Possibly but I didn't go.

However, he played for Posh last season and absolutely ran rings round us and scored two great goals - one of the best performances I've seen from an opposition player.

According to the Posh fans at the time though, he has bags of ability but can be inconsistent, so hopefully tomorrow night he will have an off day because he's a reet handful if on fire!

.
If it was him he played very well, played love lovely through balls but he looks about 4 ft 6 inches. Made Scooogs look a giant of a man

 

[itsinyerblood]

Precisely the sort of response I expected from you.

I don't like to see cases like Blackpool - they've been truly shafted. But Walsall? They're simply not going too well on the pitch at the minute, nothing more. They almost got promoted just last season! Not every club can succeed at the same time. You need to understand that. It's football.

I don't think realising this makes me an unsympathetic monster.

But your post didn't focus on the swingometer of success Herbert, if it had I'd have been willing to accept the logic you've expressed. You quite pithily said that you didn't care what happened to them or anyone else like them, that is correct, isn't it? Of course I appreciate the ratio of clubs that fail or succeed, it's exactly the same thread that happens in business, so less of the condescension.

What I objected to was your apparent insensitivity towards those supporters who invest as much in their team as a Sheffield United supporter does with the Blades. If a club is run poorly then it won't take long for it to take that downward slope towards relegation. It's not the end of the world but for some it's heartbreaking as it embraces the centre of their community and the world they've grown up with. Of course there's little that can sometimes be done if it's clear that the inevitable is about to happen, but I'm less inclined to speak so harshly about such supporters and their clubs than you are. I hope they find a solution to their troubles, after all, is it worth such a harsh expression when instead you could offer a sentiment that is at least supportive in word and thought? I never claimed you were a monster (that made me smile Herbert, you monster you), but the synchronisation of brain and lips might be something you'd care to consider before you cast such a negative blanket over fellow supporters.

 

[FATTYFOULKE]

Such is the air of despondency from the Walsall fans it's difficult not to have a degree of empathy with their plight. They see no light at the end of the tunnel, they can almost predict a decline with no end, and I must admit to understanding this dreadful state of affairs. I hope we win but that they somehow end up with a change of fortune after we play them.

Give over. I'm still bitter and twisted they sent us down to division four

 

[itsinyerblood]

Give over. I'm still bitter and twisted they sent us down to division four

Don't misunderstand Fatty, when we play tomorrow I want us to act like assassins around the penalty box and score many times over. But I suspect you understand the essence of my post.

 

[Finn Keane o' Balmaqueen]

Roygbiv

Ta.

 

[FATTYFOULKE]

Don't misunderstand Fatty, when we play tomorrow I want us to act like assassins around the penalty box and score many times over. But I suspect you understand the essence of my post.

Course I do mate.

I long ago forgot the pain of that day. The disbelief, the anger, the dispondancy, actually losing at home to Walsall to seal it, the shame my once proud club was now in the bottom tier, the urge to track down and kill Don Givens.....all gone.

Can't remember a thing about it.

 

[Blade58]

Possibly but I didn't go.

However, he played for Posh last season and absolutely ran rings round us and scored two great goals - one of the best performances I've seen from an opposition player.

According to the Posh fans at the time though, he has bags of ability but can be inconsistent, so hopefully tomorrow night he will have an off day because he's a reet handful if on fire!

I'd rather he caught the Flu tonight and just missed the game to make absolutely sure. Just having a shit game may not be enough in our case

COYRAWW

 

[Bill puntin]

Oh it's so unfair isn't it - why can't every single club in the country prosper at the same time?

Walsall are barely punching below their weight - they're scraping by in the third division. They've just not got the right manager. Why should we give a shit about them or anyone like them?

A good account once again Roy thanks utb

 

[Ricky]

But your post didn't focus on the swingometer of success Herbert, if it had I'd have been willing to accept the logic you've expressed. You quite pithily said that you didn't care what happened to them or anyone else like them, that is correct, isn't it? Of course I appreciate the ratio of clubs that fail or succeed, it's exactly the same thread that happens in business, so less of the condescension.

What I objected to was your apparent insensitivity towards those supporters who invest as much in their team as a Sheffield United supporter does with the Blades. If a club is run poorly then it won't take long for it to take that downward slope towards relegation. It's not the end of the world but for some it's heartbreaking as it embraces the centre of their community and the world they've grown up with. Of course there's little that can sometimes be done if it's clear that the inevitable is about to happen, but I'm less inclined to speak so harshly about such supporters and their clubs than you are. I hope they find a solution to their troubles, after all, is it worth such a harsh expression when instead you could offer a sentiment that is at least supportive in word and thought? I never claimed you were a monster (that made me smile Herbert, you monster you), but the synchronisation of brain and lips might be something you'd care to consider before you cast such a negative blanket over fellow supporters.

Casting a negative blanket over fellow supporters? What the hell are you talking about?

I think you're getting carried away with your words and lacking any real substance. You're also second guessing what I meant - and getting it wrong.

Walsall's only problems are on the pitch. That's the basis on which I replied to your post. 'Clubs like them' means clubs who are simply battling for survival in their league. Why should we care which of those clubs near the bottom get relegated? Somebody has to go down, some fans have to be upset. Given all the shit we've had in recent years, forgive me for not devoting my sincerest heartfelt sympathies to these clubs we have nothing to do with. Then again I'm not overly concerned about being seen as 'caring' and 'sincere'.

When it comes to clubs going bust or being fucked over by their owners, sympathy is more understandable. But on the pitch, what will be will be. It's football, and fans know what they're signing up for.

 

[itsinyerblood]

Casting a negative blanket over fellow supporters? What the hell are you talking about?

I think you're getting carried away with your words and lacking any real substance. You're also second guessing what I meant - and getting it wrong.

Walsall's only problems are on the pitch. That's the basis on which I replied to your post. 'Clubs like them' means clubs who are simply battling for survival in their league. Why should we care which of those clubs near the bottom get relegated? Somebody has to go down, some fans have to be upset. Given all the shit we've had in recent years, forgive me for not devoting my sincerest heartfelt sympathies to these clubs we have nothing to do with. Then again I'm not overly concerned about being seen as 'caring' and 'sincere'.

When it comes to clubs going bust or being fucked over by their owners, sympathy is more understandable. But on the pitch, what will be will be. It's football, and fans know what they're signing up for.

They're not 'my' words, they're in common currency, it's just that you disapprove, not that my use of language is in any way incorrect.

Has it passed you by that what happens on the pitch affects their supporters? Let's have a little context before you stray too much. My original comment about this was about their supporters, then you piped up and made a sneering comment that in essence screamed "Fuck 'em". That was what began this, so naturally I felt your comments about my post (to repeat, which was about the Walsall fans) was misplaced. Hope that's not what you might call 'my words' offering a point of view that you feel compounds my empathy with the plight of Walsall's supporters. By all means don't give a damn, you're entitled to do that. I just prefer a different take on what it means to be a football supporter.

 

[Ricky]

They're not 'my' words, they're in common currency, it's just that you disapprove, not that my use of language is in any way incorrect.

Has it passed you by that what happens on the pitch affects their supporters? Let's have a little context before you stray too much. My original comment about this was about their supporters, then you piped up and made a sneering comment that in essence screamed "Fuck 'em". That was what began this, so naturally I felt your comments about my post (to repeat, which was about the Walsall fans) was misplaced. Hope that's not what you might call 'my words' offering a point of view that you feel compounds my empathy with the plight of Walsall's supporters. By all means don't give a damn, you're entitled to do that. I just prefer a different take on what it means to be a football supporter.

I just think you type for the sake of typing sometimes and state the obvious, expand unnecessarily and stray from the point.

In wishing Walsall (or their supporters) all the best you're also wishing relegation on someone else! Surely you realise that.

You're also overestimating Walsall's 'plight'. They've been a stable L1 club for years and still are. They just need a new manager to properly replace Dean Smith. If anything's misplaced it's your sympathy. If you want to feel sorry for someone then even Charlton are a better choice.

My sentiment wasn't 'fuck em'. It was 'I don't care'. And it applies to everybody, not just Walsall. I'm not wishing any misery on anybody. So I don't see what the problem is.

 

[Rodders]

Barry Blunt where are you Barry Blunt??

 

[itsinyerblood]

I just think you type for the sake of typing sometimes and state the obvious, expand unnecessarily and stray from the point.

In wishing Walsall (or their supporters) all the best you're also wishing relegation on someone else! Surely you realise that.

You're also overestimating Walsall's 'plight'. They've been a stable L1 club for years and still are. They just need a new manager to properly replace Dean Smith. If anything's misplaced it's your sympathy. If you want to feel sorry for someone then even Charlton are a better choice.

My sentiment wasn't 'fuck em'. It was 'I don't care'. And it applies to everybody, not just Walsall. I'm not wishing any misery on anybody. So I don't see what the problem is.

As far as I'm concerned there isn't a problem Herbert. It's a fine line between "I don't care" and "Fuck 'em" but I'll give you that difference just this once. As for what you describe as my writing style, be a big pity if we were all the same fella, or don't you see it that way? You haven't demonstrated where I strayed from the point, other than to take my use of that term and then throw it back at me. So you think that wishing Walsall's supporters well extends to some cunning plot that somehow casts a spell over another club? It never crossed my mind, but because you've wanted to engage in nothing more than making your point then yes, someone will be relegated, and like yourself, as long as it's not us, I'm relatively ok with that. It just doesn't mean that I shouldn't wish another club's fans all the best. You choose not to, it's referred to as difference.

In case you weren't aware, my main concern is whether we get promoted this season, after that all else is secondary. So no misplaced sentiment on my part.

 

[ChrisBlade]

Interesting discussion this. I have to say I tend to agree with Ricky here. Walsall had a few very productive years, now they have had four barren months. Nothing in their take on tomorrow's game that makes me feel they would be deserving of sympathy from us as neutrals any more than probably 20 to 30 other league clubs. So I do feel that this exchange dragging on was indeed slightly patronizing to both to Rickly and, indeed, Walsall.

 

[Ricky]

As far as I'm concerned there isn't a problem Herbert. It's a fine line between "I don't care" and "Fuck 'em" but I'll give you that difference just this once. As for what you describe as my writing style, be a big pity if we were all the same fella, or don't you see it that way? You haven't demonstrated where I strayed from the point, other than to take my use of that term and then throw it back at me. So you think that wishing Walsall's supporters well extends to some cunning plot that somehow casts a spell over another club? It never crossed my mind, but because you've wanted to engage in nothing more than making your point then yes, someone will be relegated, and like yourself, as long as it's not us, I'm relatively ok with that. It just doesn't mean that I shouldn't wish another club's fans all the best. You choose not to, it's referred to as difference.

In case you weren't aware, my main concern is whether we get promoted this season, after that all else is secondary. So no misplaced sentiment on my part.

I can accept any difference in mindset but ultimately I'm right in what I was saying. It isn't necessary or logical to offer sympathy to every single club who are at the bottom end of the table or in bad form. You described it as a 'dreadful state of affairs' for them - it's nothing of the sort. And as Sheffield United fans we're in no position to pity anybody - in fact we're currently punching below our weight much more than Walsall are.

One example of straying from the point is your first reply to me when you talk about clubs 'going to the wall' - that was clearly never the point at all. Another is assuming that I'm 'hostile' towards other supporters and running with it. Nope, I'm not. Just indifferent.

Almost forgot this btw...
"Now, I'm prepared to give you the benefit of the doubt and imagine that somewhere beneath that deep, dark, unsympathetic facade there exists a little part of you that is capable of understanding why others sometimes need a helping hand."

First you start off by not massively caring about small town football teams.... next thing you know you're strangling babies!

Don't call me 'Herbert' btw.

 

[itsinyerblood]

I can accept any difference in mindset but ultimately I'm right in what I was saying. It isn't necessary or logical to offer sympathy to every single club who are at the bottom end of the table or in bad form. You described it as a 'dreadful state of affairs' for them - it's nothing of the sort. And as Sheffield United fans we're in no position to pity anybody - in fact we're currently punching below our weight much more than Walsall are.

One example of straying from the point is your first reply to me when you talk about clubs 'going to the wall' - that was clearly never the point at all. Another is assuming that I'm 'hostile' towards other supporters and running with it. Nope, I'm not. Just indifferent.

Almost forgot this btw...
"Now, I'm prepared to give you the benefit of the doubt and imagine that somewhere beneath that deep, dark, unsympathetic facade there exists a little part of you that is capable of understanding why others sometimes need a helping hand."

First you start off by not massively caring about small town football teams.... next thing you know you're strangling babies!

Don't call me 'Herbert' btw.

Herbert, you are a queer one. Strangling babies?!?!? I won't even attempt to ask you to explain that one. Maybe, just maybe, there is a part of you that is dark, dark enough to suggest strangling babies?

If only you'd said please.......but given that you didn't, to me you'll always be Herbert, Ricky sounds so X-Factor. We could discuss the nature of indifference, but I guess you don't care as long as you can say, ultimately I'm right! Doncha just love this type of certainty? My preference is to avoid indifference, it's known to clog those other parts of our system that enables us to communicate.

 

[Ricky]

Herbert, you are a queer one. Strangling babies?!?!? I won't even attempt to ask you to explain that one. Maybe, just maybe, there is a part of you that is dark, dark enough to suggest strangling babies?

If only you'd said please.......but given that you didn't, to me you'll always be Herbert, Ricky sounds so X-Factor. We could discuss the nature of indifference, but I guess you don't care as long as you can say, ultimately I'm right! Doncha just love this type of certainty? My preference is to avoid indifference, it's known to clog those other parts of our system that enables us to communicate.

What's queer is calling me 'deep and dark' for not sharing your unnecessary, over the top sympathy for a football team who aren't performing very well.

Type away about indifference to your heart's content. I'm sure you could come up with something, just make it up as you go along. I'll set you a target of 1000 words...

 

[itsinyerblood]

What's queer is calling me 'deep and dark' for not sharing your unnecessary, over the top sympathy for a football team who aren't performing very well.

Type away about indifference to your heart's content. I'm sure you could come up with something, just make it up as you go along. I'll set you a target of 1000 words...

Trouble is dear, I worry that 1000 words might put a strain on your indifference. We wouldn't want that to crack, would we.

 

[Ricky]

Trouble is dear, I worry that 1000 words might put a strain on your indifference. We wouldn't want that to crack, would we.

Your choice disappoints me. I'm sure you would have really enjoyed it too. Maybe you could've started your essay by explaining that judging someone's general 'indifference' starts and finishes with analysing their attitudes towards random football teams.

You're possibly the most naturally patronising poster on this forum btw. Congratulations. Quite a disappointing accolade for such a sincere, caring individual.