I think that’s incredibly harsh. All managers make perceived wrong calls in the view of fans, when the change doesn’t work, and Sadler is no exception. But “many, many times”?
A big difference between this season and last is the quality of the squad available to him. He has a bench, probably with the exception of the keeper, which is arguably as strong as the starting eleven.
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I had the same bet, but for any one who still want to bet go to Ladbrokes who are still offering 20/1. Most other bookies have us between 10/1 and 12/1.
Like many I was an anti Matt Sadler, but I truly believe something good is stating to happen down the Bescot and I am preparing to eat my humble pie.
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Me too. Of the mainstream bookies, Coral still have us at 20’s, but can’t see that being around for long tbh.
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Corals and Ladbrokes are basically the same company now
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I reckon their L2 odds compiler has had a lie in 
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Maybe a little harsh but he made some seriously bad calls last season including bringing an unfit DD back in when we had chance of making the play offs, looks like he’s learnt from it and that’s a sign of a good manager, I dont care if it’s someone like Richard O’Kelly guiding him long may it continue.
Agreed the squad depth is so much better and recruitment has been brilliant but don’t remember any of his substitutions winning us games last season, I suppose we could argue their was no game changers on the bench last year but he did have a say in squad, either way I’m glad the depth of the squad is a lot better and do think we’re going to be among the front runners when the season ends.
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What goes with humble pie, is it one you have custard or gravey on?
That proved to be a mistake, I agree, particularly as the back three were doing well at the time.
It will be interesting to see if he repeats it when DD is available.
BTW, I thought Williams was very good when he came on yesterday.
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He’s impressed when called upon this time mate.
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Agreed. He looks bigger and stronger. Fair play to him.
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We’ve had an unbelievable start to the season and the squad has significantly improved, as has the organisation of the team.
I really couldn’t be happier, this is a team that we can get behind.
At the matches this season, it’s actually felt like it used to when watching Walsall.
I don’t expect to win every match, but that feeling of being short changed or not having a team that we could enjoy supporting for so long really knocked my love of the game. Just slowly watching the club that I love sinking to new lows was soul destroying.
To see us turning the corner as a club (not just having a decent team for a season, but more than that) is just an incredible feeling.
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We haven’t really fared well against Cheltenham in recent meetings so yesterday was a game where we needed to put that right and ultimately we did.
If I’m honest I thought that in the first half we looked a little flat although after Tuesday’s match was hardly surprising.
The second half felt like Walsall had total control playing with a confidence that good teams have.
It’s a wonderful start to the season and feels as though something special is taking shape.
I do think Matt Sadler deserves huge credit for the way he’s grown into the role and Trivela for supporting him.
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I agree.
Really exciting. I think our fans were great yesterday too. Good noise throughout. We’re feeling “together” again which is always nice.
What’s also nice is that having seen every game except Huddersfield we have deserved to win them all. Including the one we lost.
A few tougher fixtures ahead. MK Dons and Bradford are litmus tests against sides who fancy top three. Doesn’t worry me because like Exeter and Huddersfield and unlike some of the very fourth division sides we’ve faced, they will try to beat us in a football match rather than a shithouse match. Andy Cook notwithstanding.
Lots of reasons to be cheerful.
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Really enjoyed yesterday. We played really well and saw the game out in the end. Can’t underestimate the problems after making the injury subs, didn’t leave much for us to change things up but Sadler and the players all did well.
As @P.T said, MK will be tough. No Gordon and I think no Simkin. Bradford again another tough test, see how well our current defenders do up against Cook.
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I’m sure most will have said the same but I thought we were really impressive yesterday. There was some really good play early on the first half and after we scored. Both goals came at really good times and we could easily have gone on to score more. In true Walsall fashion we allowed them back into it but we were just as impressive digging in and keeping them at bay, which is again encouraging to see we have that trait too
It’s nice to have players in the bench that you know can come on and make a difference now, rather than bodies in the squad just for the sake of it. That’ll be tested in the coming weeks now I’m sure, but we’re in a far better position than we would have been a couple of seasons ago
If Liam Gordon misses out next week due to injury (alongside DD and Comley) then only Simkin absent due to international duty and therefore no chance of the game being called off even if Cayden Bennett does get called up
With George Bennett out on loan, who is our 4th choice keeper to put on the bench or do we play without cover?
Weir could have been the extra CB on the bench next week with Williams starting (presuming none of DD, The Priest, or McEntee fit enough), but he’ll probably replace Liam at LWB (or mix and match with Allen) - unless Sadler sticks with Lakin there after he made a fist of it yesterday?
However, that leaves us without any defensive subs (unless you count Uncle Albert?) A left field option - could Jamma drop back there a la Dion Dublin? He has been pretty good in our own box when defending corners and free kick, could he do a job in open play?
With Gordon Snr probably also out, Lowe must be nailed on to start. The bench is going to be a bit thin (in numbers at least - plenty of quality).
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The Jamille Matt song is ditty i only catch the last bit Jamille Matt is walsalls number 9 how does the rest of the song go?
I don’t think Jamna has enough pace and mobility to play a defensive role. I wonder if Sadlers will dip into the free agent market? I suppose it depends on the length of time the injured are out for.
That’s 9 points in the bank now. We could have lost all 4 opening games and still be able to get a decent run going and catch up with the leaders at this very early stage of the season.
As it’s made for us peasants from deer entrails, after the poshers have eaten all the good bits, I’d be going with gravy. Mmmm offal 