Freedom of speech at Walsall

Walsall blogger Mark Jones believes that if the club can cross a few boundaries over the close season all can move forward into 2010/11.

An extra thousand home fans on the gate, a cracking atmosphere, well-organised and vocal but most definitely peaceful protests.

Plenty of yellow shirts, Cyprus flags waved without fear, the return of the Bescot balloons, a smattering of old replica shirts, publicity in the local and national media, a fifth straight home win, a top ten finish and a real sense of unity among all Saddlers fans.

Yes I quite enjoyed the last day of the season at home to Milton Keynes Dons on Saturday, it gave me a tantalising glimpse of what things could be like once more at Walsall home games.

I must also mention the common sense approach of Safety Officer Dave Storr, for his intelligent and sensible approach to the demonstrations. Well done.

One notable exception to this goodwill however was the alleged disgraceful half-time incident involving an employee of the club.

While it's perfectly acceptable for a steward to politely ask a supporter to move a banner, even if it has no offensive wording on it, it is totally unacceptable that a steward should barge a supporter out of the way in an aggressive manner and then confiscate that person's property in full view of the entire stadium.

After the Wycombe game on Easter Monday, when chief executive Roy Whalley came out with his infamous hysterical rant, amongst his many claims was that the club were ready to use the CCTV footage - footage that is common knowledge the club always has - to come down hard on those fans who were doing nothing more than waving a flag.

With this precedent set, he needs to take a long hard look at the footage from the Upper Gilbert and take decisive action accordingly. After all, his role is supposed to be to ensure our comfort and safety in the ground – something we pay for.

Incidentally both that banner and the other one confiscated from the back of the stand shortly after were produced independently of the other protests. It would be extremely foolish to underestimate the strength of feeling shown around the ground in recent weeks.

Now that we have entered the close season there is a perfect opportunity for a period of quiet reflection by those who run our club.

If I was one of them I'd be thinking about these things: -

Lifting the ridiculous, trumped up bans on Darren, Neil and Wayne. Taking disciplinary action against the above mentioned steward. Accepting that fans have genuine concerns for the future of the club.

Listening to the views of supporters, be they from the Trust, Unity or individuals. Coming up with a long-term strategy to solve the long-standing issue of the rent.

Backing a manager who has come through a sticky period to end the season on a high note, so he has at least the opportunity to try and take us to the next level.

Ensuring the best quality replacements are provided for the, mostly unsurprising, list of departing players - good luck to all of you by the way.

Doing everything physically possible to get the fans coming back once more. Actively seeking out potential new investment.

While I know that at first glance this may seem a bit of a fantasy, if you actually look carefully at those 9 points aren't they exactly what we should be expecting from those who are the custodians of our club?

If we have been punching above our weight, it's only because we've been fed starvation rations for so long.

Roll on 2010/11. Love the Saddlers and have a fantastic summer!