Walsall had a trialist Spanish goalkeeper in their final pre season friendly last night at Redditch and he made a good impression.

The player, Rafael Gonzales Robles (playing nickname “Rafa”), commanded his area well, according to the official site and this is backed up by our eyewitness, Leamore Saddler.

Today’s Express and Star says that he is a 34 year old former Malaga reserve and confirms that he did do well.

There does seem to be some confusion here, however, as my research suggests that his last club was, in fact, second division side Sporting Gijon, having been at Malaga previously. He started his career with Oviedo.

There are times when football managers can’t get decisions right, no matter how hard they try. This wasn’t one of them.

Paul Merson made two changes from the starting line up on Saturday, with Leitao playing wide right in a 4 5 1, in place of Mark Wright, who had had such a poor game, and, a lot more surprisingly, Chris Westwood replacing Anthony Gerrard, rather than Julian Bennett.

Forest had the aerial threat of Scott Dobie and Gareth Taylor up front, with the dangerous Kris Commons on the left wing.

Walsall started like a house on fire, with Simon Osborn producing two superb through balls for Fryatt, as well as producing a half volley which Pedersen was happy to grab at his far post. The fine start was destined not to last, however, as Forest realised they had to deny the Saddlers space in midfield.

The visitors started to get a measure of control, although Fryatt’s running and positional sense were always a threat, as Leitao was a peripheral figure stuck out on the wing and Wrack just wasn’t in the game at all. The lack of release to the wings meant that the centre three of Osborn, Taylor and Standing were over run and only a great performance from Ossie kept the midfield in the game.

Eventually, the inevitable came with Commons half volleying a Nicky Eaden cross into the far corner, with Oakes well beaten.

Changes needed to be made in the second half and Merson took another risk by switching to 4 4 2 and replacing Standing with Wright. Wright began as he finished on Saturday, looking completely ineffective, but, after 5 minutes, Osborn found him on the right, he cut inside and unleashed an unstoppable 20 yard left foot drive into the net. With that injection of confidence, Wright was a player transformed. A minute or so later, he produced another run which led to a free kick. Kris Taylor hit a superb set piece, which rebounded off the cross bar, only for Westwood, on his debut, to fire home the rebound.

It got even better on the hour mark, when Fryatt had the chance to put Leitao in. He overhit the pass and Pedersen arrived at the same time as the Portuguese striker. Pedersen got the ball, but then, as the TV replays clearly showed, swung his feet round, taking Jorge in the chest. Despite the protests, a clear penalty, even the though the subsequent red card for Pedersen was harsh to say the least. Matt Fryatt stepped up to plant the spot kick home.

Forest, to their credit, threw everything forward, despite having only ten men, and were rewarded with a deserved David Friio goal, although it came from an Andy Oakes fumble, caused by him needing to dodge a flying elbow from the Frenchman. Walsall, however, despite 5 minutes over time, hung on for a well deserved three points.

Merson’s decisions? Bennett was outstanding and fully justified being left in, rather than Gerrard and this is an area where we are particularly strong. He got the sponsor’s man of the match, deservedly, although the outstanding Osborn, Westwood and Fryatt (for some very, very intelligent runs and positioning) weren’t that far behind. The performance of the two centre backs was particularly pleasing, in view of how big and awkward their two strikers were.

The full backs looked solid (although Fox’s tacking can be a little over enthusiastic), Jorge was dangerous once we went 4 4 2 and Merson’s other big decision, the replacement of the out of sorts Standing with Wright proved to be inspired.

The only worry was the midfield, where Taylor did OK, while looking a little lightweight and Wrack’s current lack of form (although he also looked a little more confident towards the end) is causing concern. His problem can be summed up in the second half when he picked up a long clearance from Oakes and, with only one defender in front of him, turned and passed back instead of taking him on. Perhaps playing on the left just doesn’t suit him and we need to find a left winger.

All in all, though, this was a good night for Merson and the decisions he took.

It was being reported on the Kidderminster official site and the Express and Star yesterday that Taiwo Atieno was going to them on a five month loan, as we predicted last month. It now seems to be off, though!

The Kiddie site has now removed the story and fans from the Worcestershire team are reporting that Atieno turned up late for the meeting yesterday, then said that he had changed his mind about going.

Confusion now reigns as to exactly what is happening and whether the loan will go through at all.

Most Saddlers fans would have been looking forward to this fixture rolling round again this season, on the assumption it would be in the Championship. Unfortunately, it isn’t, as Forest’s relegation last season means that we have an early chance to measure ourselves against one of the favourites for the Division. Let’s hope that the change of status won’t have stopped us being their bogey team!

Forest are now the first former winners of the European Cup to play at the third level of English football and Manager Gary Megson’s job is to get them promoted as soon as possible. After relegation, Megson took action against the players at the club who he felt were not performing to the standards he demanded, both on and off the pitch. David Johnson, Marlon King, Kevin James, Alan Rogers and Adam Nowland were all transfer listed, but to date there have been no formal offers for them. Many players at the club were also made surplus to requirements and released.

In the summer, Gary Megson became one of the most active managers in the transfer market, rebuilding the squad completely. Matthieu Louis-Jean signed for Norwich, whilst Eoin Jess and Chris Doig both joined Northampton Town on free transfers. The new recruits included Gary Holt from Norwich (in exchange for Louis-Jean), Nicky Eaden and Ian Breckin from Wigan and former Saddler Gino Padula from Queen’s Park Rangers. Ex Manchester United man John Curtis was signed on a free transfer, whilst Danny Cullip became Gary Megson’s eigth summer signing, arriving from Sheffield United for an undisclosed fee.

Striker Jack Lester, back in his second spell with the club, is out injured, and full back Alan Rogers is suspended.

Most people thought that they might struggle to adjust to the Division, but they got off to a reasonably good start, with a 2 – 1 home win over the useful Huddersfield Town Their danger man (and scorer of their first goal on Saturday), is former Bag Lady Scott Dobie, but their winner was netted by the ever dangerous transfer listed David Johnson, coming off the bench.

As for the Saddlers, Chris Westwood has completed his one match ban and is likely to return, but Steve Staunton will be serving the last game of his. The main problem for Merson will be what formation to play and it’s going to be difficult to second guess him. I would not be surprised to see either the 4 5 1 employed again, or a switch to 3 5 2, especially in view of the poor form of Wrack and Wright on Saturday, as a 4 4 2 puts even more pressure on the wingers. Whatever he does is likely to lay down a marker for the rest of the season, as this could turn out to be one of our stiffest tests.

The basis of the team should stay the same, however, with Oakes, Pead, Gerrard, Westwood, Fox, Osborn, Standing, Taylor and Fryatt all likely to start and the formation dictating the rest. Hopefully, Paul Smith will also be fit for the bench, at least.

Predictions? We are their bogey team, giving them a deserved 4 – 1 beating on their last visit, and it could have been a lot more, in one of Merson’s best games for us. There have been plenty of other good wins in recent seasons too, so I’m just edging in favour of a home win, though I think it will be close. In that case, of course, it’ll be a high scoring draw, as sod’s law is bound to apply.

It’s instant reaction from UTS, with the Fat Controller reporting in, live from Millmoor!

Sometimes you get one of those days, when you fight well, give an good backs to the wall defensive performance and then get let down right at the end. Well it didn’t happen today!

Paul Merson went with the team we predicted yesterday, with the one surprise of Fryatt as the lone striker in the 4 5 1, rather than Leitao. For the first 20 minutes or so, it was a matter of starting where we finished last season, with the trio of Standing and, especially Osborn and the outstanding Taylor, dominating posession and making a string of half chances. The lead even came early, with Fryatt bamboozling the Rotherham defence in the third minute and crossing for Taylor to score from close range. Taylor then had two other good chances, one from open play (Fryatt again the creator) and one from a free kick, and could have had a hat trick on another day.

The second part of the half was very different, however, as attacks started to continually break down on the flanks, especially whichever one Mark Wright was on and Rotherham came to dominate the possession. Finally, Burton managed to get the wrong side of Gerrard and crossed for Butler to score (inevitably).

The second half was mainly Rotherham pressure (although Oakes was hardly over worked - a good job after getting lengthy treatment following a collision with Butler in the first half), but the young back four, a worry for some before the game, coped admirably, well covered by Osborn and with Taylor busy and effective in front of him.

Wright, however, was having a very ineffectual game and was, eventually replaced by Leitao, although the formation stayed as a 4 5 1, rather than 4 4 2.

It proved to be inspired as, in the third minute of stoppage time and with everyone thinking the game was going to fizzle out into a draw and a welcome point, Leitao tried an ambitious cross come shot come who knows what, which the keeper helped into the back of the net.

It was smash and grab, but who cares, as we all know what happened the last time we won away at Millmoor on the first day of the season, don’t we?

Another year, another season, or, in the immortal words of Status Quo, “Here we are and here we go”. Yes, it’s the opening day of yet another campaign, filled with optimism and not a little trepidation. Walsall are about to open up with an away fixture at Rotherham United, with thoughts in our minds that the last time that happened, we won 3 – 2 and got promoted!

So, what about Rotherham? Well, they have a new Manager, with folk hero Ronnie Moore having finally departed for pastures new, in the shape of possible Championship challengers Oldham Athletic. The new man at the helm is much travelled centre forward Mick Harford, who has had a difficult rebuilding job on his hands. He has stamped his mark on the club during pre-season by signing Colin Murdock from Crewe, Jon Otsemobor (despite Crewe being tipped to sign the former Liverpool youngster), David Worrell, Deon Burton and Lee Williamson and has recently added to them goalkeeper Neil Cutler from Stockport, to help replace the experienced Mike Pollitt, now a premiership keeper.

Firepower is the thing that worries the Millers fans, with just ex Saddlers strikers Martin Butler and new signing Deon Burton as the only two goalscorers with any real experience. They do, however, have their own equivalent of Matty Fryatt in the shape of Will Hoskins. The 19 year old has just received another England under 20’s call up for their game in Russia shortly. Attacking midfielder Jamal Campbell-Rice also poses a threat in front of goal.

And the Saddlers? Well, an idea of the line up might be nice! Chris Westwood and Steve Staunton are both suspended and Ian Roper and Paul Smith are both on their way back from injury and are unlikely to play. Merson also has difficult choices in midfield, with so many names to pick from, but I would expect to see Osborn (outstanding in pre-season) and Standing (as Vice Captain, in the absence of Westwood) start. I would think we’ll see a 4 5 1, along these lines:

Oakes, Pead, Gerrard, Bennett, Fox, Wright, Osborn, Standing, Taylor, Wrack, Leitao,

with Fryatt, Harkness, Smith, Roper and Coleman on the bench.

Predictions? At full strength, I’d expect to come away from Millmoor with something, but a defence consisting of four foetuses does worry me, considering the know-how and experience of Butler and Burton. I’d be happy with a point, but my head says we might struggle to get even that.

For those going to brave whatever conditions the semi demolished ground may bring, don’t forget Geordie’s Pub Guide, below!

As part of the build up to away matches this season, we are hoping to bring you a regular feature sharing the one and only GeordieSaddler’s immense knowledge of the drinking establishments of Britain. How he aquired this, we didn’t like to ask.

So, without more ado, here’s his first effort, a guide to the derelict wasteland that is the Spa of South Yorkshire, Rovrum.

“Rotherham Pubs.

Train travellers will come across the Phoenix (across the road as they exit the station). A “must see” for any lovers of indoor garden furniture, and ok for a swifty prior to heading left from the station through the industrial estate (5-10 minutes) to Millmoor (signposted).

Car travellers, (probably street parking on the opposite side of the ground) might want to try “The Butchers Arms” on Midland Road which had an array of very traditional bar food on my last visit, which was admittedly in 1995.

Adjacent to the ground you have “The Millmoor” a typical “right by the ground” with some nice footy pictures. Also “The Tivoli” night club next to the home end entrance which although dodgy looking I’ve always found friendly although don’t expect to just waltz in with a replica top on. They did massive chip butties over the bar last time I was in, far better than the Millmoor fisheries opposite, which is best avoided IMO.

My favourite pub is “The Moulders Rest” on Massbrough St. about 3 mins walk from the ground, although last time we played them on the opening day the police got a bit twitchy and shut the bar at 2pm. If you’re there early enough you can enjoy a decent pint of Stones circa 1973 and the barmaids are lovely and…“earthy”. If you really fall in love with the place they also do B and B for about 12 quid. Do not do this unless prepared to seriously question the meaning of your own existence over a full English in the bar on Sunday Morning.

Shooters bar opposite used to be a decent pub (The Queens) but as the name suggests it has attempted to morph into the laminated world of 21st century, and that’s not really what a trip to Rotherham is about.

**If any of the above has been demolished/renamed, don’t blame me, that’s progress”.

Don’t forget, more to come in the future!

It has been reported that Andrew Surman has joined AFC Bournemouth on loan for next season.

The Southampton youngster had an impressive end of the season with Walsall and it had been hoped by Paul Merson that his relationship with Harry Redknapp would mean he would get first choice if Surman were to go out on loan again. Unfortunately, BBC Radio Solent are saying that Redknapp’s loyalty to Bournemouth appears to be greater.

Merson has said that he still wants to bring in an attacking midfielder and it was assumed that Surman was the man. Whether he had a plan B remains to be seen.

Paul Merson has been praising the contribution of new aquisition Steve Staunton during last night’s friendly against the Villa - and given away some of his tactical thinking in the process.

He was fullsome in his praise of Staunton and the contribution he said he can bring to the defence this season, but also said that his arrival gives Merson the option of going for three at the back (which would necessitate five central defenders on the books).

Merson seems to be convinced of the worth of the 4 5 1 formation away from home, but seems to be worried about possible sterility playing that way at home. One option then, of course, is to play three defenders, the same five man midfield and two up front. Many thought that he intended to play that way last season with the way the squad was set up, but he abandoned the idea after the pre season game at Chester. Playing in this formation at home would give more attcking options and also give him the chance to rest Staunton for away games.

We have heard from a source at the club last night that Matt Fryatt has turned down the latest contract extension offer from Walsall.

The offer was a two year extension to his current deal and would have made him the highest ever paid Walsall player.

Whether this is the end of the story, or just a bargaining position, remains to be seen.