In the latest of his regular blogs Scott Brotherton takes a look at the Walsall's start to the season, and considers whether the Saddlers have the depth of squad to get a winning run going.
The defeat to Yeovil caps a disappointing start to the season. The Saddlers are no longer unbeaten and thoughts have instead turned to the fact we are winless in the league so far.
It was inevitable that the new arrivals weren't going to click straight away and every fan accepted that. Even so, it's still nice to get a head start rather than playing catch up from day one.
For now though I'm going to try and shine a positive light on Walsall. We may have started slowly, but what we have seen leads me to believe we will come on strong at the business end of the season. I don't think we will fall away like we did in such dramatic fashion last May.
Not that I'm a psychic, but tough competition for places has to stand us in good stead. The first eleven know that if they don't perform there are others champing at the bit to get into the team. This should inspire better performances deep into the season, with players knowing they are not irreplaceable.
Cast your mind back to last year. Lalkovic, Brandy, Sawyers, Westcarr - that was our guaranteed front four in the latter half of the season (barring injury of course). Westcarr in particular knew he was indispensable as the leading striker. That leaves players resting on their laurels and may explain our woeful end to 2013/14.
This time around things seem to be different. You could probably field another decent (albeit less competitive) side from our squad now, especially considering how many injured players are yet to come back. Even Richard O'Donnell has genuine competition in the highly-rated Craig MacGillivray.
You could see the depth when @BescotBanter asked for your preferred lineups for Yeovil. There was plenty of variety, showing the amount of choices Dean Smith has.
We an only hope this level of competition continues. If it does then the Saddlers have a good chance if stringing a run together when it really matters.
By: Scott Brotherton.
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