Pre-Season saw the signings of Mark Paston from Bradford and Richard Mckinney to contest the goalkeeping jersey. Many fans were optimistic about the future of Paston as not only was he a so called international but he was also a very tall bloke (something Super Jim certainly wasn't).
However, no disrespect to New Zealand but it wouldn't be unfair to say that they aren't one of the great footballing nations. With their standard of football they could well get away with playing a giraffe in goal. Indeed, a giraffe would probably be a better option than Paston.
During pre season the goals against column continued to take a hammering and it looked as though McKinney was the better of the two keepers. Unfortunately the performance of McKinney away at Oldham confined him to the "this keeper is pants" category.
In a desperate attempt to stem the tide of goals against, Merson then swooped to get Joe "the cat" Murphy on loan from neighbours Albion. Murphy came with an impressive pedigree. An impressive start to his career at Prenton Park saw the Baggies swoop for Murphy in order to provide competition for Russel Hoult.
Talking to many Albion fans at the time Murphy joined Walsall they were of the opinion we had picked up an extremely competent keeper. This has not been the case.
John Burridge-esque in stature, he certainly commands his area better than Paston and McKinney and he gives the defence a little more of confidence.
Unfortunately his reaction times, particularly at free kicks, can be charted on a sun dial. He is extremely slow to read the situation and is often left rooted to the spot as the shot flies past him into the net.
With Saddlers now limping along in mid table Merson needs to address this goalkeeping issue ready for next seasons promotion assault. Murphy will be heading back to The Hawthorns come May and we don't really have anyone of competence to stick between the posts.
Of late young coleman has been warming the bench as our back up keeper. With nothing really left to play for now is the time to see whether or not Coleman has what it takes to perform at this level. This can only be ascertained by playing him.
If he impresses then he can stake a claim for the No.1 jersey next year. If not, Merse has the unenviable difficult task of finding a decent keeper to step into Walkers shoes.
Come back Jim. If only.