With Chris Westwood suspended for the opening match, it has been discussed that Staunton would fill his place in the Walsall back line. However Staunton is also currently serving a suspension, but in his case a two match ban. This goes back to Coventry Vs Plymouth where he was charged with foul and abusive language.
So It looks certain we will go into the opening fixture with a central defensive pairing of Julian Bennet and Anthony Gerrard.
It is difficult to see how having Staunton on the staff can be justified on the playing side. We now have Gerrard, Bennett, Westwood, Roper, Staunton and young Scott Dann fighting for two positions. This could mean as soon as Ian Roper regains fitness he may well depart us. Roper who last season signed a new contract is coming up to his testamonial year and does not want to leave Bescot. It would be nice if the club gave him a testimonial at the end of this season as a make weight. While Scott Dann maybe loaned out to gain experience.
On the coaching side Staunton will add defensive scope to the team. He has no previous coaching experience and will form a young management team with Merson, Halsall, Osborn and Kinsella