[retired_jkkuehl]

Its the opening day of the season, and the atmosphere is completely different to that experienced during the pre season friendlies. This is what it is all about.

This is the first real opportunity for some fans to have seen me and to comment on my style of football. Some dire hard fans had been to all our friendlies and had commented that we looked quite a useful unit a couple of signings would help and the youngsters would have to find their feet quickly but they were positive. I was more worried.

Tranmere were the visitors and we were straight away the underdogs. I don't mind the underdog people talk more if you beat the favourite rather than lose if you beat the underdog.

In what was an entertaining game, Walsall manage to share the spoils with a 3-3 draw, Walsall's goals coming from Osborn, Leitato and Fryatt. Tranmere should have won the game but missed a penalty late in the second half.

Its a positive start and its the start of a long journey lets hope its worth while.

[retired_jkkuehl]

9th August 2005

Walsall V Huddersfield - (6,827)

The first 20 minutes of this game saw each team give possession away to easy any move forward was stopped with a poor pass somewhere along the way.

Huddersfield did have the better chances, Walsall's main opportunity came just before half time when Leitato shoots into the side netting. The resulting goal kick results in the opening goal for Huddersfield. Walsall must have been asleep when the ball hit the back of the net as none of the players seemed to move. Wrack picks up a slight knock but nothing serious. He leaves the park but should be available for the next match.

[retired_jkkuehl]

11th August 2005

Transfer News at Bescot Stadium

Joe Broad is being targeted for a loan move to local conference side Hereford.

Brighton have tabled a bid of £150,000 for Julian Bennett, the bid was declined and Brighton would have to double it for any offers to be considered.

[retired_jkkuehl]

13th August 2005

Hartlepool V Walsall

Nelson brings down Leitao in the box and a penalty is given. Pead converts the penalty and Walsall lead after 21 minutes. In an abysmal match with nothing else to report Walsall leave Hartlepool with 3 points. The game could have been won by either side but it was the Black Country boys that are rewarded.

Back at the club......Joe Broad has agreed to move to Tamworth for 6 months. Broad joined Walsall from Torway and has managed 10 appearances since joining Bescot in 2004. However he has not featured in the starting line up since Domino's arrival.

[retired_jkkuehl]

20th August 2005

Walsall v Bristol City

Steve Brooker's goal seals the 3 points for Bristol City.

Domino is upset about the performance and everybody involved with the club knows that he is not happy with the result. Its a bit of an unpredictable start for the Saddlers and the Board were hoping for something special.

[retired_jkkuehl]

24th August 2005

QPR V Walsall - League Cup 1st Round

My first taste of cup football, yet the result was not one I was looking for. Yes I admit we were playing higher league opposition but I thought that they were there for the taking. I was impressed by Stefan Moore and he was a handful all afternoon.

We managed to take the game into extra time following goals from Wrack and Fryatt. However 5 minutes from the end of Extra time Shimmin settles the tie. We fall at the first hurdle but we were never going to win the cup anyway. League Cup football at Bescot finished early this year.

[retired_jessicabraden]

27th August 2005

Barnsley V Walsall (11,056)

A poor defensive perormance sees Walsall fall deeper into trouble. The scoreline of 4-2 does not reflect the performance of the Saddlers but they deserve to leave with nothing.

Fryatt and Standing were on the score sheet for the Saddlers but it was not enough to match the striking force of Burns, Jarvis, Kay and Hayes for the home side.

Oaks fumbled the ball twice in the box to gift the home side two of the goals and Domino must be forced to look for a long term replacement keeper.

Rumours floating around the ground suggest that Domino will walk out of the club less than 2 months into his career stating that he has not got the full backing from the players. Its rumours and I'm sure there will be a press release on Monday about that.

[retired_jkkuehl]

Sorry guys having to share my computer with Leo30 (my brother) and he aint logged off hence the above post. Its not fair on moderators to ask them to amend another one so please take it that I did it. :o

[retired_jkkuehl]

Wrack Off

Scottish Premiership side Motherwell bolster their midfield today with the surprise capture of Walsall midfielder Darren Wrack.

Wrack ever present in the Saddlers midfield this season leaves Bescot for £250,000.

Wrack states the main reason was down to family but is excited of the prospect of playing in the top flight and hopefully pushing Motherwell into Europe something that he wouldn't be able to do at Bescot Stadium.

"I wish all the lads at Bescot the best, I have been here a long time and when an opportunity like this comes along you can't turn your nose up at it. It was a hard decision to make but to be honest one that I couldn't refuse. I am also sure that the Saddlers will start to come good and I know that Charlie Domino is keen to succeed I am positive that all the hard work put into the club so far this season will pay off"

Saddlers swoop for Burgess

Walsall manager Charlie Domino has yet again landed a striker. Irish striker Ben Burgess links up with the Saddlers on a 3 month loan deal from Championside Hull City. Domino commented on the inconsistency of the current strike force and required immediate strong options. "I have brought a number of strikers into the club but those purchased before are developmental players who aren't ready for first team football. Ben is an international and should provide us with more options upfront."

[retired_jkkuehl]

Monday 29th August 2005

Walsall v MK Dons

A must win game for the Saddlers turns sour when a last minute goal sends the 3 points to Milton Keynes. A reduced number of faces in the crowd outlines the frustration of the Bescot faithful and the boos could be heard throughout the ground.

Charlie Domino released this statement in his press conference following this result. "This was another poor performance, but don't forget I haven't had long to turn things around. I hear the crowds frustration and I can't blame them however I am frustrated as well. We all need to stick together and pull the club through this difficult time. Walsall football club deserve better and I am here to help acheive this.

I am not being forced out of the club and the players, staff and board are committed to obtain Championship football. That is our main aim. I want to quash the rumours I hear and want the fans to provide more encouragement rather than the gossip talking on the stands"