Saddlers Blog Zone

A Deadline Day Debate

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This week, Darrell Clarke admitted we were a long way off recruiting the final player he was after, but is this a bad thing?

For once on a Deadline day, I have a feeling of ‘meh’. I do not expect to see anyone come in, and I feel there is only the slim chance of anyone going out the door. But for once, this feels OK.

Late January signings have rarely been prosperous for Walsall, Bielik, Shaibu and Ngoo, all signed for Walsall with a couple of days, or hours, left until the deadline.These signings have rarely worked well, and  it seemed the managers had hit the panic button. So hearing DC talk about that he won’t be going in for anyone unless a good opportunity presents itself, is refreshing. It has been a quieter month than we probably wanted, but no-one wants to see 2 or 3 late deals being made just to please fans, much like Clarke eluded too.

As I have said previously, I feel that it is time to use the fringe players, and those younger players to integrate them into the team. DC has also repeatedly mentioned being careful with the budget. Panic signings, or useless loans, not only stunts youth players development, but will mean the budget going forward is slightly depleted. Spend less now, have more for later (in theory). It also may just allow some fringe players the chance to show they are ready to step up, as has been the case with the likes of Bates and CCM this season.

So for me, I would rather see a quiet day with no activity, and let the squad prove themselves until the end of the season, and move in the summer for ‘the right’ signings, rather than pointless deadline day panics.

Now that I have written this, don’t be surprised to see us sign someone to prove me wrong.

Finally, I want to hear your views on what you feel we should do with today, Stick? Twist? Wait for a 10.59pm loanee? Comment your thoughts as let’s face it, we are Walsall, so who knows whats going to happen.

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