Well, the team coach turned up late (again) and it didn’t get any better from there, with Fryatt mysteriously out of the sixteen and Bennett suspended after 5 yellows. Merson went for Westwood at right back and Pead at left back despite being right footed, with the left footed Demontagnac on the right wing! The option of 3 5 2 with Ishmel at wing back seemed to have been dismissed.

We were utterly, utterly deadful first half and went in 2 - 0 down, having played a sterile 4 5 1 against a team that’s only won one game in nine.

We improved a little second half, but their keeper still only had one save to make in the ninety minutes.

wfc_2uk said: “We want our money back. I cannot remember a game where I have left and felt so annoyed and angry”.

It was a similar story over on Rivals: “Without doubt, that was one of the most dismal performances I have seen in a long, long time.”

And “Can’t say we were unlucky because we weren’t. We were however, dreadful”.

Even the official site couldn’t find anything positive to say: “It was a disjointed and uncomfortable performance by Walsall against a Bradford City side who didn’t really have to get out of first gear and it gave little to warm the loyal band of travelling fans who were tucked away at the side of the pitch”.

Tomorrow’s Times newspaper carries a long interview with Saddlers boss Paul Merson, during which Merson reveals he has lost more than £7 million gambling. The full interview is available in the paper or online at:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,27-1961617,00.html

Walsall go into tonight’s game at Bradford looking to improve their away record, having only picked up one disappointing point on Boxing Day.

There are no new injury worries reported in the camp, with only the long term absentees Wrack and Wright (who is on the verge of a return) definitely missing and Fox and Merson himself doubtful. Merson has, however, said there will be changes tonight and the return of Ishmel Demontagnac following his suspension is likely to be one, giving the side a much more balanced look than on Monday.

As for Bradford, they have a slight doubt about danger man Dean Windass, as his Zimmer frame is bent and he may be replaced by teenager Steve Claridge. Lee Crooks is definitely out, suspended.

Predictions? Bradford have lost five times at home this season and Manager Coiln Todd is under pressure, so, for a team with any pretensions in this Division, this is a game from which a point should be the minimum target. With our away record, however, I’d want to see the team and formation before making any rash predictions.

The game is still definitely on as I write, at 1.00 pm, but, if you are driving tonight, take care, as the forecast is very cold with the possibility of snow. No accidents, please, chaps and chapesses.