Former Villa youngster and Bradford City player Michael Standing today became the next victim of the Richard Money revolution at Walsall.

The midfielder was one of Merson’s first signings two years ago, but has always been a bit player at Walsall. Despite a few decent performances, his lack of consistency and lightweight play, coupled with a few injuries too, made it all the more remarkable when Merson gave him an extended contract.

It now seems that the new man at the helm has decided, after seeing him in training, that Standing does not fit the rough and tumble of the fourth Division and the majority will probably agree that a player who gives nothing defensively and who has a limited passing range, despite his ability to run with the ball, is not really what we need. He leaves by “mutual consent”.

Manager Richard Money has been weighing up his options for the opening day and, obviously, doesn’t like what he sees.

Both Ian Roper and Chris Westwood will be serving out suspensions for the opening fixture at Rochdale, so Money has been left with the prospect of either playing one of the youngsters, or wasting new signing Dobson out of position (although he has played central defence before).

It seems that he has decided neither option is really suitable, having seen the players in training, and has now told the Express and Star that he is looking for a short term loan for the first month of the season, to ease the selection problems.