Walsall crashed to their worst defeat of the season tonight with a display that was both abject and clueless. Colchester, a team that had not won at home since the beginning of October, were 4 - 0 up at half time and, thankfully, eased up in the second half, with their FA Cup trip to Blackburn very much on their minds. They still managed to add a fifth in stoppage time with a free header in the box which summed up the Saddlers’ defending all night.

No one, but no one, came out of the game with any credit and, to make matters worse, Walsall fans were ringing WM after the game, accusing Paul Merson of swearing at them and making obscene gestures to the away fans.

Sky Sports News are now reporting that Merson is considering his position as Manager and may resign tomorrow. Merson, who thought about quitting earlier this season, now admits he is likely to quit as manager - although he will carry on playing.

“I feel for the fans, it is nearly six hour round-trip,” he told them. “I will sleep on it, but without a doubt I am considering it - losing 5-0 is just not on. Hopefully I will stay and play, I have enough pressure and when you take a corner you don’t need a hand full of blokes telling you to f-off. I try my hardest and sometimes it is not enough.”