Jeff Bonser has, in a completely out-of-character moment, decided to open his heart to the Express and Star today.

He has admitted to mistakes, but says one of his biggest regrets was letting Colin Lee talk him into getting rid of General Manager Paul Taylor at the time.

He says that he did not blame Merson for the team’s poor performance the season before last, but remains silent on where he sees the blame for the relegation under the former Arsenal player’s wayward stewardship of the club.

Bonser says that he was aware of “Merson’s personal demons” while he was the manager and says that he did try to help him over his troubles. He said that he did “get close” to Merson while he was at the club and many Saddlers’ fans would say he got too close, letting that relationship effect his judgement, so that the damage caused was far greater than it need have been. He says that he is pleased that Merson is now trying to carve out a career in the media.

Bonser goes on to say that he has a close working relationship with Richard Money, but that it is just a working relationship.

He also has pledged that, if any players are sold in the January transfer window, the proceeds will be given to Money for squad strengthening.

Money “Pleased” With Free Weekend

Meanwhile, back on the pitch, Money has told the Evening Mail that he will be glad of the break this weekend, giving us three extra days recovery time before the next League game at Bury.

He says that Danny Fox, Michael Dobson and Chris Westwood have been playing with minor knocks for some time and a free weekend will do no harm to them or, for that matter, the rest of the squad.

“I am 100 per cent pleased to have a break next weekend,” Money said. “It means we can plan our training differently.
We have been anxious to give the players a two-day break at some stage to recharge their batteries. Not playing next Saturday gives us that opportunity.
I’m not happy about being out of the cup but, in terms of our promotion challenge, it won’t do us any harm at all.

And if Macclesfield beat Hartlepool in the cup on Saturday that will be a great result too because that would give us a break on January 6 after the Christmas period.”