Walsall Wednesdays

Here`s a good one: What do Walsall do when they can`t sign Kevin Harper? They go for Paul Hall instead. Funny isn`t it. I just find it unbelievable that history has repeated itself, and hopefully it will during the course of next season – with promotion to the Championship. Despite being 34, I think Hall will play a very important role in our successes next season. Hopefully, Harper will see the light and sign as well and we can have both, but it is looking unlikely every day. Another good signing would be Jack Lester, as he has a proven record at our level in front of goal, even though he is 31 now. That is the only problem. We have signed a 35-year-old midfielder in Danny Sonner, a 34-year0old winger in Paul Hall, and we are interested in Lester, 31, and defender Jamie Smith, who is 32. The bad news is that Lester has just signed a deal with Chesterfield. Damn!

However, there is a reason for DD`s choice in players. We have a youthful look for next year with Mark Bradley and Ishmel Demontagnac leading the promising talents for next year. Also, Rene Gilmartin is a likely replacement for Clayton Ince in two years time; along with young striker Troy Deeney providing the same impact as Matty Fryatt did in his first full season in a Saddler`s shirt. With the older and more experienced player coming through the doors at Bescot, the squad looks to have a good mixture for next season. This may entail even more success next term, or it may place a nail in our coffin.

A quick word on England`s performance against Brazil: not bad. Beckham`s return to the England fold was slightly overshadowed by Steven Gerrard`s heroic performance in midfield, but he certainly showed why he should not have been dropped after the World Cup. Estonia await our visit on Wednesday, and I predict an easy victory on the evidence of their performance against Croatia. We shall see.