2) Did you strengthen much last season, or was it the team who got you
promoted? We lost our star player Michael Bridges to Hull right on deadline day which weakened us somewhat. We only brought 2 first teamers in in Kevin Gall and David Raven neither of whom set the World alight imo. As the season progressed we brought in a few loan signings and bought Jeff Smith and Paul Thirlwell who i reckon were both excellent buys.
3) Were you happy with last season? You were in the top half all season I certainly was, after 2 successive promotions and a change of management id have settled for midtable.
4) Karl Hawley, What a signing he was for you. Tell us some stories of what
we missed out on, how much will you miss him? Being totally honest and a bit controversial here, our best form last season was when he got injured and we played with a loan pairing of Danny Graham (Middlesbrough) and Joe Garner (Blackburn). I think the fact that he hardly played during the last 3 or 4 months of the season probably softened the blow of him leaving coupled with the fact that we knew he was going from last christmas anyway. Hawleys best form for us was definately in league 2. Id say the highlight was possibly his hattrick away at Torquay. One with his left, one with his right and one with his head. I think we will miss him though as we havent really replaced him as of yet. I honestly dont think he`ll cut it at championship level at least i hope not with Preston.
5) What are your hopes for this season and do you think you'll achieve them? Well apparently the news of the world tipped us for 3rd on sunday. I`d be amazed if that happened unless we can find a couple of superstars who`ll accept a couple of hundred quid a week. Personally id like to think we could sneak in the playoffs although top half is probably more realistic.
6) Zigor! A bit of a cult hero at Walsall, fans loved him or hated him. Have
the Carlisle fans taken to him? We love our Spaniard, We love our Spaniard, We love our Spaniard, We love our Spaniard. Dont think many of our fans have got a bad word to say about him really. Probably isnt championship level though so i can see why some Saddlers may not have taken to him at the time.
7) What do you think of Walsall and how do you think we will fair this
season? Well you certainly did well last season, although my mate who does one of your fanzines reckons you were less pants than most other teams so prob went up by default. I hope Paul Boertien does well for you, id have definately had him back at Carlisle given the chance.
8) As a fan of the opposition are there any players of ours you look at and
think we must stop him, or I wish we could sign so and so? Again id have to say Boertien. Tommy Mooneys getting on a bit but he should be a good signing for you.
9) Who do you think will be the promotion and relegation contenders this
season in League One? Forest, Millwall, Doncaster all look decent enough although im not Colin Calderwoods biggest fan so Forest will prob blow it again. Id like to think Leeds will go straight down but prob wont. Cheltenham could struggle a bit as well.
10) How has your squad changed from last season? Are you happy with the new
arrivals and departures? Is there anyone you missed out on, who you wished
you could secure their signature? Apparently we`ve missed out on loads of players due to location but more realistically id say we wouldnt pay the wages they wanted. We have signed Danny Graham from Boro, Danny Carlton for £50k who you may remember scored the blinder that got Morecambe promoted at Wembley at the end of last season, Marc Bridge Wilkinson on a free from Bradford and a keeper in Chris Howarth from Bolton. The only players leaving were Hawley and our Captain Kevin Gray.
11) Predictions for the match? I cant make the game as im at a wedding(inconsiderate gits) so i reckon you could be in trouble. i`ll say 2-1 for the blues.
Many Thanks to Mark from the Carlisle MAD board for his time and views.