Walsall fan Ian was kind enough to give us his thoughts ahead of the club's league one campaign.
HOW DID YOU FEEL THE 14/15 SEASON WENT FOR YOUR TEAM?
Frustratingly. Pre-season was littered with injuries and we took 6 or 7 games to register a win. And after that our form was really mixed, we didn't really get a run going. Fortunately some of our best performances came in the JPT and getting to Wembley was a real achievement, especially when you look who we beat to do it. Shame another Walsall turned up on the day. But I guess last season will be the one remembered for finally playing at Wembley.
HAVE YOU BEEN IMPRESSED WITH THE ADDITIONS MADE DURING THE SUMMER BREAK?
Absolutely. This has been the first close season in an age where we've not had a major overhaul. We've got a new keeper, have upgraded our right back and Milan Lalkovic returns to strengthen our attacking options. I think injuries will dictate where we add loan players to the team.
ARE THERE ANY AREAS YOU FEEL STILL NEED STRENGTHENING?
I thought at centre back and centre midfield. But unless the players we have suffer a drop in form or get injured, any additions would most likely be sitting on the bench and limiting opportunities for our younger players.
ARE THERE ANY FIXTURES THAT YOU'RE PARTICULARLY LOOKING FORWARD TO?
There's a few more local teams in the division this year. Burton and Shrewsbury. I'd say I'd look forward to a trip to the seaside at Blackpool, but I'm not sure with all the goings on and protests, games there will be much fun. Swindon is always one of my favourite fixtures as they get the ball down and play. Hope to at least match them this year.
WHICH OPPOSITION TEAM DO YOU HAVE HIGH HOPES FOR THIS SEASON?
Barnsley finished strongly last year, and if that was down to Lee Johnson they are set for a good season. Adkins should be making a difference at Sheff Utd, but it's spins becoming laughable their under performance year on year at this level.
WHICH PLAYERS AMONG YOUR SQUAD SHOULD WE BE LOOKING OUT FOR THIS TERM?
The obvious one is Tommy Bradshaw, take your eyes off him at your peril. Mind, if we change formation this year whoever plays alongside him could benefit. But the player most likely to benefit from an expected 3 -5 - 2 will be young Rico Henry. He could end up being the best young player we've produced.
WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'LL END UP AT THE END OF THE SEASON?
Still in League One. This will be our 9th straight season at this level, and I expect us to make that a decade. Hoping to finish nearer the play-offs than in the past few seasons but it will depend on a good start and being consistent with a young team. No mean feat, but never say never, we have some very good young players, just hope their off days don't all come at the same time.
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