The thoughts of Chief Executive, Stefan Gamble...
WALSALL FC Chief Executive, Stefan Gamble, has assessed the season so far as well as looking forward to what 2015 holds in store.“It took us a little while to get going this season,” he admitted. “For me, the campaign was kick-started by a 3-1 home victory over Preston North End early in September before impressive performances against Doncaster Rovers, Notts County, Fleetwood Town and Barnsley propelled the team into the top half of the table and within touching distance of the play-off places with all still to play for in the second half of the season.
“The emergence of youngsters such as Liam Kinsella, Rico Henry and Reece Flanagan onto the first-team stage has once again reinforced the pivotal and vital role that the club’s Academy plays in our overall success.
“Meanwhile, the goals of Tom Bradshaw so far this season have been crucial as has the key contributions from the likes of James and Adam Chambers, Richard O’Donnell, Andy Taylor, Paul Downing and Romaine Sawyers amongst others.
“The continuation of our football philosophy has also been important and even when we have been through ‘sticky’ patches, the belief and commitment to this has never waned.
“The Johnstone’s Paint Trophy run has, of course, captured the imagination of Saddlers young and old as we ‘dare to dream’ of a first-ever Wembley appearance in March. However, there is the not insignificant obstacle in our way in the form of Preston North End who provide our Area Final opposition over two legs, the first leg live in front of the Sky Sports TV cameras away at Deepdale on Wednesday 7th January and the second leg at home on Wednesday, 4th February.
“There is much to look forward to but for now, on behalf of all of the Directors, players and staff at the club, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. See you here on Boxing Day.”