Interview With Vital Walsall

Ian Lowndes of Vital Walsall has kindly taken time to answer some questions prior to the Swindon Town/Walsall match Saturday at the County Ground.

1. How has your season gone so far at the Bescot Stadium?

After a number of seasons of decline under the misguidance of Paul Merson some Saddler fans were predicting another season of struggle. However the arrival of manager Richard Money (Dickie Dosh to the Walsall faithful) raised expectations of at least the play off’s. However promotion with three games to go and to be still with a shot of the title on the last day exceeds our wildest dreams.

2. Which Walsall Player should Swindon Fans look out for?

This season has been about a team effort, rather than individual stars. It sounds boring but organisation and team work have been our key. If I was pushed Big Clayton Ince could be a match winner.

3. Who has been your player of the season thus far?

Dean Keates won our Player of the season award, his effort has really helped us over the line. He was pushed close by centre half Scott Dann who has been our find of the year, but good news for you guys is he is out injured.

4. How has our old mate Trevor Benjamin been for you, he was a bit of a donkey here.

His arrival was met with cry’s of horror and much laughter from Posh and Boston fans. However he has made a lot of Saddlers fans eat there words. TB’s contribution to our promo push has been vital, crucial goals including the promotion clincher at Notts County as well as winning free kicks to get others…….have to admit he still looks like a donkey most of the time though!!!

5. Congratulations on getting promoted, do you think we will follow suit?

If your performance at Bescot is anything to go by I don’t see why not. After all you were many peoples favorites. I see the last promotion spot as yours unless you throw it away.

6. What do you know about Swindon Town?

My first visit as a Saddler was in an auto windscreen trophy game which we lost !!! However having worked and lived between Swindon and Oxford, the Robins are no strangers, in fact I once did a bit of work for STFC in Glen Hoddles time……..nice bloke.

7. If you could have one Swindon Town player on your side who would it be?

With our injuries in defence (3 centre halfs out possibly 4) I would take any fit centre half at the moment.

8. Which team and which set of fans have impressed you this season?

Believe it or not I do have to admit the Accrington fans have amused me they have more flags per head than any other club….fair play to them but I find that despite calling themselves the ultra’s they are not that frightening infact they were quiet nice chaps.

Also Torquay fans were very hospitable on our south coast invasion, I wish them a swift return to league football. As for a team,I have to admit Swindons performance at Bescot was one of the better performances I have seen from a fellow league Two side this year.

9. Where in the table do you see yourself in a year’s time in League One?

Perhaps of all the top four teams I feel Walsall were the best prepared team team to get out of league Two, but perhaps the least equiped for league one, we need some serious improvement if we are to be competitive……lets face it our top goal scorer has only 12 goals!!!

10. What are your predictions for Saturday`s sell out at the County Ground?

We are Walsall,the title is within our grasp, so we are bound to mess up. Unless you bottle it big style I can see us losing, our title hopes may well be in the hands of Bristol Rovers.

We would like to Thank Ian for taking time to answer these questions. Please feel free to visit the Walsall site here at Vital Football for the Saddlers take on things leading up to the big match at http://walsall.vitalfootball.co.uk