This season, we’re asking the fans of visiting clubs to give their thoughts ahead of each game at The Fully Charged New Lawn. What better way is there to get an insight than from the people who travel the country following their team each week?
We spoke to young Walsall fan Seb Taylor to find out more about the Saddlers, ahead of their trip to GL6.
SEB, TELL US ABOUT YOUR TIME AS A WALSALL FAN
There have certainly been lots of highs during my time as a Walsall fan. Visiting Wembley in 2015, reaching the EFL Trophy semi-final, winning 5-0 away at Port Vale on the last day of the 15/16 season and beating Coventry 2-1 in 2018.
But there’s also been some crushing lows in there too. Relegation to League Two and the disappointment of the play offs in 2016 against Barnsley are the two in particular that stand out. There have been some tough seasons since Dean Smith left but hopefully we can get some success back at Walsall soon.
WHAT HAVE YOU MADE OF THE SADDLERS’ SEASON SO FAR?
All the fans were optimistic at the start of the season having brought in a new manager and a new squad. However it hasn’t lived up to expectations. We have been very inconsistent and haven’t been able to put a run of wins together as we haven’t won back to back yet this season.
The players we brought in didn’t fit into Matt Taylor’s system and we have struggled to put the ball in the back of the net. We have had some great games like our 1-0 win over Port Vale in November and that thrilling 3-3 draw against Newport County. But overall it’s been a really poor season so far and we look like we are going to be finishing in a similar position to last season.
WHO IS YOUR KEY PLAYER? TELL US A BIT ABOUT HIM
I would say Liam Kinsella. He is a hardworking centre midfielder who has been at the club since he was eight. He worked his way through the academy ranks and has had to wait for his opportunity at Walsall.
When he began to get chances for the Saddlers in the 18/19 season, he took them and he has been vital to our team since then. He will always give you 110% and really gets stuck in.
MICHAEL FLYNN HAS RECENTLY BEEN APPOINTED NEW WALSALL MANAGER. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE MANAGERIAL SITUATION?
The appointment of Michael Flynn has really filled me with more optimism. He had a brilliant four and a half years at Newport progressing with them every season, reaching two playoff finals. I wanted Matt Taylor to succeed at Walsall but like in any job in football, if you lose seven games in a row then your time is limited and I think it was the right decision to sack him.
It’s only his first job as a manager in the pro game and I hope he goes onto having a brilliant managerial career. But looking ahead now with Flynn, he has experience of League Two and is hopefully the man to get us climbing back up the league in the seasons to come.
FGR DEFENDER KANE WILSON WAS ON LOAN WITH WALSALL BACK IN 2018. WHAT ARE YOUR MEMORIES OF HIM?
When Kane was at Walsall you could see he had the potential but he never really got going. He was recalled in the January transfer window by West Bromwich Albion and ever since he left he has gone onto to better things. Fair play to him
WHERE DO YOU SEE THE SADDLERS ENDING UP IN MAY?
We are only six points off the relegation zone and Oldham have a game in hand, so we are certainly not out of this dog fight yet. But I think Flynn will steady the ship and get some valuable points on the board. I still think we need at least another six wins to ensure safety.
It should be an interesting end to the season but I think we’ll be alright and avoid relegation. A 17th place finish.
