Walsall... In Focus

Is it much of a surprise that the four relegated sides from League One last term currently occupy healthy positions in League 2? MK Dons, with money and a well respected manager were expected to challenge, and they sit in third. Swindon, with high profile manager Denis Wise, since replaced by Paul

Money...Unknown bidding for Championship

Sturrock, were also favourites for promotion and sit in second. Hartlepool United, unlucky to be relegated on the very last day, were also much fancied which makes there seventh placed position look deserved. Infact, perhaps the least fancied were Walsall. Crippling finances, years of poor form, and a lack of outstanding players, plus a virtual unknown in Richard Money as the Gaffer, meant the Saddlers were the least fancied. Yet they top the table.

Money has installed a great deal of endeavour in the ranks, and his defence is the best in the division by a long way. Conceding only thirteen goals in the league, indeed Ian Ross' strike for Notts at the end of November was their first concession at the Bescot this season, and the loss a fortnight ago to Swindon their first home defeat, Walsall have moved themselves five points clear at the top.

After a 5-0 win over Peterborough United, Walsall went on an unbeaten run of twelve league games. Money earnt a ‘Manager of the Month' award in November, and there seems to be no let up from the boys in red.

Were they to keep there healthy advantage over the busy Christmas period, then only a fool would back them to not make at least a promotion place, but their supporters will have there sights firmly set on the Championship.

Fixtures over Christmas include Boston United, Shrewsbury Town and Bristol Rovers, sides they should be beating, whilst January, aside from visiting Peterborough, should also see them claim a decent total of points.

Lack of an outstanding goalscorer may be their one downfall.

Manager: Richard Money

League position (on December 20^th 2006): 1^st

Ince...Major part keeping Richard in the Money

Top goalscorer: Martin Butler with seven

Goals for: 35

Goals against: 13

Player of the season so far: Many candidates, but goalkeeper Clayton Ince has been outstanding. Their defensive record is largely down to his superb saves, though he will want to forget Ross' strike in a hurry.

V Notts: Debutant Tommy Wright opened for the Saddlers, even though he should have earlier saw red for two brutal challenges on Kevin Pilkington. Dean Keates then got a second, before Ross' free-kick put Notts back in the game in the second half. Ince denied Notts a deserved point with a series of fine stops. Walsall arrive in Nottingham on the 14^th April for a potential promotion chasing decider.

Drapes' Prediction: They will march to the Championship. 1^st.