2025/26 Expectations

I’m not sure you can compare Lowe at Walsall with Young or Mellon. Both of them had hot scoring streaks on loan that they haven’t replicated since. But, from what I’ve read on the Walsall forum, Lowe was at a completely different level. It wasn’t just his goals - important though they were. He was basically the creative heartbeat of the team - his positioning, movement, hold up play and distribution were the crucial factors that led to them being 17 points clear of 4th place by Christmas. Their whole game was based around getting the ball up to Lowe as quickly as possible and letting him work his (for L2) magic. Once he left they were just a below average L2 hoofball outfit. The fact that he can’t buy a game at Stoke just shows how massive the gulf now is between L2 and the Championship. I’m sure he’d do very well in L1.

 

My comparison was both ie Young and Lowe , scored bundles of goals away from their parent club and when returning to said parent club they did absolutely nothing . I wasn’t in any way shape or form comparing technical prowess .

 

Gotta feel for Lowe, I can see why Stoke recalled him, their fans would go mad if they didn't. But if he had stayed at Walsall he'd.have more than likely taken them up and enjoyed all the celebrations that our loan players have enjoyed.

 

April 1st was ages ago m9.

 

Cheeky bid, Stoke don’t seem to rate him enough to play him ?

 

Would certainly be a statement of intent.

 

Wallsall will certainly try again if they win the play offs

 

Yes, but the big difference is that Young was on loan from one L2 club to another. He just happened to hit a hot streak. Lowe was from the Championship to L2 and was clearly different class from those around him. Which means he’s much more likely to perform well at L1 level than Young, which was the original point of the discussion.

 

We agree.

 

Very unlikely on both counts?

 

For me next season I'd be very happy with a season that sees us stay away from the relegation fight and be pushing forwards the top half. I'd also like us to have a real go at all of the cup competitions again as both, I don't see why we can't be targeting to get to Wembley in the Trophy. If we can get a lucky draw or 2 to get to the 3rd round of either the FA Cup or EFL Cup and get a big tie the money will be vital for us if we want to be getting towards a top 6 budget.