The club have announced that Joe Broad has had his contract terminated “by mutual consent”.

The departure of the enigmatic midfielder comes as no real surprise, as, in a season and a half, he has only made ten starts and five substitute appearances and, quite frankly, has never looked like a player capable of performing at this level.

It does beg the question, however, of the club’s judgement in offering him a two year contract extension less than 12 months ago (along with the also out-of-favour Kris Taylor), which has, presumably, now had to be paid off.

Back to League action tomorrow with a very, very different looking team from the last home game as Manager Paul Merson decides to change the squad round completely after all of the away day failures and the departure of bright young talents Fryatt and Bennett.

From the last home League line up against Blackpool, out have gone:- Fryatt, Staunton, Leitao and Kris Taylor, along with Daryl Taylor, Bennett and Harkness and in have come James, Leary, Timm and Smith, with more possible on the way!

Paul Merson’s line up is problematical, to say the least. All of the long term injuries have now cleared up, with the exception of Darren Wrack, of course, so he has masses to choose from. I’d expect a line up of (more signings not withstanding):-

Murphy (in his last game unless an agreement is reached), Pead, Roper, Gerrard, Fox, Wright, Osborn, Leary, Smith, Timm, James, with Constable, Standing, Westwood, Oakes and Demontagnac on the bench. The only concern there is where are the goals going to come from, which is why Merson’s main priority is a replacement striker for Matt Fryatt, a signing which is fairly close and may even happen this afternoon.

Colchester, impressive and flying high, have just two real injury doubts with forward Marino Keith and defender Stephen Hunt (both ankle) out. They have been strengthened this week, however, with the signing of old “friend” Tony Thorpe, he of 137 league goals in 364 appearances for his 8 clubs.

Colchester’s top scorer is much travelled Scot Chris Iwelumo, but the star of the side and the man who makes them tick is former Blackburn midfielder Neil Danns. Stop him (not easy) and you stop them playing.

Walsall are, of course on a great run of form at home, but cannot take their opponents lightly. They have won 4 and drawn 1 of their last six away from home and won in the FA Cup at Championship high flyers Sheffield United last week. That is the kind of result that can work both ways, however, and I’m sure Merson and his players will be hoping that Colchester are distracted and that Manager Phil Parkinson will be trying to ensure that it will not be the case. All the same, I’ll go for a narrow home win.