Simon Wright previews the Edgar Street visit of Rushall Olympic on Saturday.
When the Pics long-serving manager Liam McDonald resigned in the summer, I feared for Rushall. They’d stayed up -just -through good organisation and a hard core of 8 or 9 players. When that core all left too (many of them following their Gaffer to Stourbridge, who couldn’t believe their luck), I predicted the Walsall club would be relegated and thus far that’s the furrow they are ploughing.
For sure, they are a welcoming club and a close one too in Step 2 terms. They will be missed, but without a generous benefactor, gates of 400 won’t keep you in our League. Rushall’s new manager is Adam Street (Ex Coalville and several others during his 19 years of management). He’s bought in at least 28 players. A few young loaners, a few injury -prone and a couple of familiar faces too. Namely sometimes Pics Captain Nathan Cameron who I quite wonder why he’s signed up for this near hopeless cause. Cameron has scored only once (an own goal!) and was foolishly sent off at Buxton for a rash challenge. He left Hereford for this! Was travel to the Street such a pain? In truth, with 31 home games last term and a 4 hour round trip for each, the answer was probably yes. All credit to his Walsall neighbour Kyle Howkins for sticking with us.
Another less familiar name is ex Bull keeper Paul White who’s best remembered (harshly) for his off-days playing for and against Hereford. Getting another shot at Step 2 football was too good for him to turn down. He has conceded 32 times in the League, the third highest in the division. In fairness, his 3 smart saves in Tuesday’s match against Brackley prevented a heavier defeat.
It’s a sign of desperation that Rushall are bringing in out of favour step 3 men to fill their ranks. Latest includes Dylan Barkers to whom Caddis showed the door after 3 appearances in August last season.
Our visitors have not won any of their last 10 Cup or League games, recording 3 draws and 7 defeats. They’re bottom and adrift. I can hear the moan of concern now around Edgar Street. They have the worst away record in NLN losing 7 of their 8 away games. (moan getting louder) and the third worst goal scoring record (I know, it’s a scream of alarm now) with just 17 to their name. Top scorer Benbow (with 3) is injured. The Pics looked toothless on Tuesday. (I was there – taking my preview duties seriously). Calm thy nerves, all we have to do is score first.
Although the Bulls will be without “the regulars” plus suspended Campbell, we do have new boys White and Mitchell to boost our ranks, plus nearly new boy and hopefully fit Jason Cowley.
The Rushall fixture means we will have played all of the bottom 5 at home by the end of November. That may be a relief. Make sure you are at Edgar Street this Saturday. Here is a link for matchday tickets.
Don’t forget I’m having a day off from selling winners because the new Talking Bull is at the street. Brian and myself will be selling the remaining print copies for one day only, or guarantee a copy by ordering online.
