I was expecting Ozzie and Kris Taylor to be singled out for praise. Well I should have learnt by now to expect the unexpected from our manager when it comes to talking to the press.
Indeed Ozzie was praised and no-one can argue what a vital component Osbourn has become in the Walsall team. Merson stated that Ozzie is the main midfield man in a 4-5-1.
The next man to be mentiond was our number 28 Paul Smith! Apparently he is the man best suited to a 4-4-2 formation!!
It is our flexiablity that is our strength apparently. As a spectator at all but one game this season i have come to the conclussion that i hope we continue playing 4-5-1 at least until a time when Paul Smith has reached an acceptable level of fitness. I think Osbourn has been greatly missed this season when he has not started and this has especially become apparent in the games where we have adopted the 4-4-2. As a whole when Walsall play 4-5-1 we pick up points, if we change this we struggle and varied record of points gainage 0, 1 or 3. Its not easy to predict!
Even though Paul Smiths appearences so far in a Walsall shirt have been appaling there will definately be an improvement in his play. I am sure that Smith will be the first to admit he is unfit and doesnt warrent a place in the squad and until he has caught up with the rest of the squads fitness levels he can expect to spend his weekend watching us or catching up with his gardening or having some family time. He has quality this cannot be denied, you do not win so many player of the season awards at a championship club by fluke. He/We might benefit if he moves to the local area as an essex commute takes as long as Vinnie Samways Spanish commute and we all know how that ended up!!! Training at home some days as paul does, will not get you match sharp. If you dont believe me there is a Swansea DVD lurking around somewhere im sure!
But Osbourn is a starter for me in whatever formation we adopt and in the manner of Mike bassett England Manager!! it not 4-4-2, we shall be playing 4-5 fu~:£$g 1 on Saturday!