Well, this is it at last. The end of a pathetic season of under achievement, culminating in the humiliation of relegation to the bottom tier of English football. Thank God the cricket season is now with us. However, it is still a very important game for some, as Barnsley arrive, knowing that nothing short of a win will be good enough to get them into the play offs. For that reason, they have sold out their 2,200 seat ticket allocation completely.

Mark Kinsella will be taking charge of the team for his second and last game in charge, as new Manager Richard Money will be watching from the stands. Money will doubtless be watching with real interest as he sees at first hand just how difficult a job it might be to turn things around next season.

Westwood will be missing in defence, still suspended from his stupid sending off against Huddersfield, so the backs will come from:-

Oakes, Pead, Roper, new player of the season Gerrard, Mills and Fox.

Simon Osborn will be wanting to force his way back into the side (he is one of those out of contract in the Summer and will be keen to impress) and Kris Taylor, newly returned from Burton, is also available, so the midfield is likely to come from:-

Wright, Leary, Keates, Mills (if not in defence), Osborn, Taylor, Standing and Demontagnac

The strikers will be chosen from Constable, Barrowman, James and Steve Claridge.

A word about Steve Claridge. He will be playing his last game for the club tomorrow, having said on TV that he isn’t been offered a contract by us next season. I’m sure all true Saddlers would like to thank Steve for his efforts in trying to keep us up. What he’s like off the field, I don’t know, but he’s a great character on it.

Congratulations are also in order for reserve goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin, who has been called up to the Ireland under 21 squad.

Barnsley have a few problems. Defender Paul Reid is suspended and fellow defenders Neil Austin and Matt Carbon (what a surprise!) are doubtful. Former Saddlers Sicknote has been troubled by a groin injury in recent weeks.

Men to watch? Another former Saddler, Chris Shuker, is always a possible danger, but they have been struggling for goals a bit this season, having one of the worst scoring records amongst the top ten teams. It’s their defence which has been the rock of their campaign, as they have the second meanest defence in the Division, after Colchester.

Predictions?

Barnsley have drawn all of their last three games as they struggle to get over the line into the playoffs. Goalscoring has started to dry up, as, presumably, nerves take a hand.

On the other side, Walsall, already relegated, seemed to relax last week to get that away win at Gillingham and there will be a few players busting a gut to impress the new Manager, sitting in the stand.

I’m going to really stick my neck out on this one and, with Barnsley’s nerves and us being relaxed, I’ll go for a home win.

Then, of course, Swindon, the Franchise and Hartlepool will lose, Rotherham will be placed in administration today and get the automatic 10 point deduction applied to this season, not next, leaving Richard Money to plan an assault on the First Division this season. Then I get elected president of the Universe, bring peace and prosperity to all . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .