The Saddlers travel back from Bradford tonight taking a point with them, but it could have been all three after yet another assist from Paul Merson led to Marvin Robinson scoring on his debut midway through the second half. Walsall could not hold on however, and bogeyman David Wetherall continued his scoring habit against the Saddlers with a header seven minutes from time.

By all accounts it was another encouraging performance by Merson’s men, which keeps the Saddlers in 15th place, but just five points off the play-off picture. With the top 3 now looking well clear (expect Luton to get overtaken by Hull and Tranmere by March) it is a case of seeing whether we can now continue our recent run into the Christmas period and climb the table.

Matt Fryatt was injured right at the start of today’s match, and had to come off after 11 minutes.

Today’s 1-1 result means it is now 10 points from 12 for the Saddlers in the league.

After the game Merson is reported to have told the local media that striker Gary Birch has been sold. This comes less than 2 weeks after the manager publicly backed the 23-year-old as Walsall’s best finisher.

Former Walsall boss Colin Lee has reached an out of court settlement with Walsall FC and chairman Jeff Bonser following his controversial departure from the club in April. Under the terms of the deal neither side can reveal what exactly has changed hands, but it is believed a significant financial sum has been paid to Lee.

There is some debate amongst Saddlers fans as to whether this agreement represents a vindication of Bonser, or of Lee, or somewhere in between. Jeff Bonser did make public comments immediately following Lee’s departure which led fans to believe Lee would not receive any compensation. It looks like he has.

Perhaps the chairman could issue a statement clarifying what has occurred to keep fans in the picture. Except that might break the terms of the agreement reached. So don’t hold your breath…