English Football League / Alan Dudman / 15 January 2009 / Leave a Comment

After Jimmy Mullen became League One's ninth managerial casualty of the season, Alan Dudman wonders who would want the vacant Walsall job. Meanwhile, a healthy home win for Fergie's men, a Scunthorpe lay and a bore draw at Edgely Park are the orders of the day this weekend.

Ever considered being a football manager? I remember I did - once. And for fun, I applied for the vacant position at Ajax a few years ago when Ronald Koeman left in 2005.

I thought it would be funny to send off my CV. Attached to that was a covering letter in which I stated that I loved to watch Van Der Valk when I was younger, and I had also grown up living near a canal....just to assure them I was fairly au fait with the Dutch
way of life.

I think I also mentioned I had a 'wand' of a left foot and was the proud owner of a couple of FA coaching badges (levels one and two).

I never heard from the Dutch giants...which was a pity as I was going through a real purple patch on Football Manager 2005 at the time.

Walsall are the latest club to be in the hunt for a new boss after the ninth League One managerial exit this season . It really is crazy.

Quite what Jimmy Mullen did wrong I am not sure. Should Walsall expect to be challenging the might of Leicester? Well, the board deemed Mullen's mid-table record wasn't good enough.

The Saddlers have stated they will look to make a quick appointment, and names mentioned are Chris Hutchings, Maurice Malpas, Kit Symonds and John Ward.

With the shelf-life for a boss in the division averaging a number of months, who would want to take it? I would rather be a pundit on the telly - which seems to be the way forward these days.

Peterborough United [1.66] v Walsall [6.40], the draw [3.80]

Walsall haven't played since December 28th (Mullen's last game), so they will at least be fresh for the visit to Posh.

Even if they improve, Peterborough look absolute bankers at [1.66]
this weekend to win, and to win well.

Darren Ferguson's side have been distracted with the FA Cup, and they took West Brom to a replay only to fall at the 3rd round hurdle on Tuesday night. Such is Fergie's confidence in his side, he said he was disappointed not to beat the Baggies.

I'm not one for short price outrights and the value lies with a healthy home win.

Recommendation: Back Peterborough to win 2-0 and 3-0

Crewe Alexandra [3.65] versus Scunthorpe United [2.22], the draw [3.40]

The last time Crewe beat Scunthorpe at home, the dreadful 'Young at Heart' by the Bluebells was number one in the charts.

I have no idea what is topping the hit parade this weekend but I do know that Crewe could be quite dangerous.

With new boss Gudjon Thordason at the helm, they were mighty unlucky to crash out of the FA Cup in Tuesday's replay defeat to Millwall. Their keeper was blamed for a couple of howlers and I don't think he will play on Saturday.

Crewe have improved, they battered Hartlepool in their last league game, and played really well over the two games versus Millwall to warrant an interest here.

I thought the price on Crewe [3.65], was not all that generous. And for that reason I will lay Scunthorpe.

Of course they are a good side, chasing promotion with 44 points and a couple of useful strikers. But away from Glandford Park, goals have been harder to come in their last six games, and they could be missing hitman Ben May who is doubtful with an ankle injury.

Recommended bets: Lay Scunthorpe at [2.22]

Stockport County [2.00] versus Southend [4.20], the draw [3.60]

In League One betting, I always like to back against the team who has caused an upset in the FA Cup.

Step forward Southend, who performed wonders in the draw at Stamford Bridge and were brave in defeat against Chelsea in the replay on Wednesday.

It always staggers me how a team can beat a Premier League side, or indeed play way above their own level, but then slip to sorry defeat when back to their bread and butter the next game.

However, Southend's League form is ropey. They have scored one goal in their last five matches. I was against them last week in their postponed match at Crewe, and although Stockport are better on their travels, I think they could nick a result here.

Recommended bets: Back 0-0, 1-0 in correct scoreline markets.

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