The Andrew Barrowman Debate

Walsall has invested an 18 month contract in young Scottish striker Andrew Barrowman, following three games and his first goal in a Walsall shirt. So what can we expect and what is a reasonable expectation?

Walsall has in recent years had a high expectation of the young forwards coming through the ranks at Bescot. This burden has weighed heavy on the shoulders of strikers such as Michael Rickets and Martin Butler who have both gone on to prove themselves at a higher level once leaving the Saddlers. These two also suffered from starting out in wide position as they learnt their trade. We have now got some young talent coming through again in Nichols, and the recently purchased Constable and Barrowman. Will things be different?

Blues fans who watch Birmingham City reserves told me of there surprise at the release of Andrew Barrowman who had impressed the watching faithful despite uninspiring loan spells away from St Andrews. The general view is we have a hard working player with an eye for goal. Described as ‘a bit of a runner’ it was felt that if we get the ball in the box he would get goals.

However, it has been a difficult start at Bescot for Andrew. A debut in the 5-0 reversal at Brentford including giving away a penalty was about as bad as it could get. It however got worse when the manager who signed him was sacked days later. This would have shattered the confidence of many a player, but it was home debut time. In the game against Scunthorpe despite the lack of service, many of the faithful watching was justified in thinking that he was nothing better than Nichols or Constable. Then it happened he scored and the player grew in confidence to give a glimpse of the player he might become. A third game in a rear guard action at Colchester provided little opportunity to shine. So the jury is still out.

We must give the player time, despite our desperate situation he is the best we have got and could prove to be the find of the season who knows. The desperation for goals to pull us away from the bottom four is a heavy burden to carry for one so young. This will not be helped by murmurs of discontent from the floors-2-go stand. The club are lacking experienced forwards to support the youngsters so it only reasonable to ask for 100% commitment and desire nothing more nothing less. The expectation …there shouldn’t be one except a player does his best.

Lets hope the confidence returns and the goals start flowing, especially as Scott Fitzgerald has joined to help.

By Jorges Jottings