Walsall's Norwich clash off again

Walsall's home clash with Norwich is off after the Saddlers held a pitch inspection – their fifth postponement in a row.

The Banks's Stadium surface was deemed unplayable by referee Steve Bratt, with the surrounding roads and pathways treacherous after fresh snowfall last night.

It is the second postponement between the teams, after the game on December 28 was called off just an hour before kick off. It led the Saddlers to accuse Norwich boss Paul Lambert of putting pressure on the officials to postpone the clash.

The Saddlers are due to host Brighton on Saturday in League One and, with the weather set to improve, ground staff will work through the week to ensure the game goes ahead.

Chris Hutchings' men haven't played since drawing 2-2 with Leyton Orient on December 19 and face eight games in 26 days during February. Saturday's trip to Southend was called off because of the weather and a new date is yet to be set.

Chief executive Roy Whalley has already revealed the big freeze has cost the Saddlers £100,000, after they lost the original home game with the Canaries and the chance to entertain Charlton over Christmas and new year.

While it has been a quiet January on the pitch Whalley expects little movement off it. The permanent signing of Clayton McDonald is the only business so far and fans have been warned not to expect an influx of new faces.

He said: "There's a lot of bad business done at this time of year, as there is on the fourth Thursday in March, it's desperation stakes at times – unless you're the selling club. Clubs buy because they are under pressure, either to get promotion or avoid relegation.

"You never know what the next telephone call will bring but I would think it would be unlikely there would be any major movements here."