one game I think, not sure if that link works but says ban ends 10.08.24
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As I’ve said patience is at an all time low for Sadler with his re signing of Gordon Matt and DJT. So he has to start the season with results for his sake . It will start Saturday if we lose at home with 30% possession .
30 percent? Optimistic lol
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2-1 win. Lowest opening day attendance for 10 years.
We will lose 1-0
I reckon 1-1 with us equalising in the last ten minutes. Lots of unhappy fans, contrasting with club staff and players who see it as a point gained.
2-0
Lakin and Matt
We’ve got this guys
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I’m thinking play McEntee in midfield until Earing is fit. I’m concerned Stirk Larkin and Jellis will be too lightweight, and we will be overrun in midfield.
I prefer McEntee at the back, but we have cover and his presence in midfield may be more beneficial.
Simkin,
Priestly, Dave, Allen
Barrett McEntee Stirk Larkin Gordon
Gordon Matt
Subs
Hornby, Williams, Albert, Earing (recovering from injury), Jellis, Weir, DJ (for the last 15 minutes)
Thought we were going for straight relegation without kicking a ball Bluejay? 
How dare you have an ounce of optimism about you!
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The subs bench is the thing here. A squad of 23 (so far), of which 2 are out on loan, 4 are injured/unfit, and 1 suspended for tomorrow. Unless (as you say) we fill it up with walking wounded, or register a couple of youth teamers before the end of today, then we are in danger of not naming a full bench.
BTW I see that on the OS all the players have got their squad numbers, but I don’t recall seeing it announced like it usually is - and no team photo yet???
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Sadler pre-game interview:
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I admire your optimism @Laundryman (meant to post this in this thread).
The back 3 is pretty much the same (in fact it’s exactly the same) as what we had to compose from last year.
Midfield looks dreadfully short of creativity and nous.
My main gripe is the playing style.
I would be a lot more patient if we had a way of playing that wasn’t long channel ball and giving up possession… I have seen no changes in pre-season, and I fear it will be a long Slog of attrition-ball.
I actually think we will win tomorrow. I also want to note that my criticism is not merely of individual games, but what I believe will happen over the course of the season.
I don’t think a single person who is critical thinks we will lose every one of the 46 games, nor draw every one of the 46 games. I think those who are frustrated are sick to death of being an average to poor league two side.
This season we must kick on. I don’t think this squad will struggle, and nor do I think we will be brilliant. I think it looks extremely average and mid table - unless there are some serious acquisitions in the next 3 weeks or so.
I think we will have good spells and bad spells, good games and bad games - but I do not believe the squad is strong enough for a consistent spell of results over the course of the season.
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I am not sure I do! But Walsall FC has been part of life for a very long time and I want them to succeed or at least entertain. Recent years have been depressing, a bit better last season; I just want to smile again!
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Exactly this, I think we all want that feeling again… you know the one when you wake up excited for match day.
Guess we all express our feeling’s in a different way.
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Not naming a full bench first game of the season Ke a bit embarrassing
Actually, the last third is very illuminating, not only about how the transfer system operates but also just how aware everyone is that things are not right. About as honest an interview as I have seen him give.
He mentions how the Euros have delayed PL transfers, which has had a knock-on to the Championship and the players we might pick up from there. Excuses maybe but I can see the logic.
I agree with almost all of your post, apart from this part.
Without 2 players coming in upfront, we would be bang in trouble over the course of the season.
Especially when one of those can’t last more than 60 minutes, and is rarely fit.
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That’s the thing, if you want your strikers to press everything from the first whistle, they will need to be subbed at 60 mins every match.
We’ve got 3 strikers in total and 1 isn’t fit, so no subs. DJ and Matt won’t be fit for the whole season, so that leaves us desperately short.
A 2-1 defeat in front of a sub 5k crowd.