By Neil Ravenscroft
October 6 2004

Paul Merson today made what he described as the most difficult decision of his career. Not before time, in this case, as the club have parted company with fromer Huddersfield favourite, Iffy Onoura. Many people have already said that they thought that Paul Merson's biggest mistake so far was the appointment of Iffy Onoura as first team coach, in that a manager and a coach both in their first jobs seemd like a recipe for disaster. That mistake has been rectified today as Onoura has been sacked, following the Saddlers' disastrous start to the season. Most of the team's problems have been defensive so far and Onoura had said that he was taking the defensive coaching sessions.

Merson said that it was the hardest decision he has had to make, but thought that it needed some experience to be brought in to stop the team's slide down the table, in contrast to his staements in the close season, when he said he didn't want experienced coaches or assistants, as he wanted to "do it" his way.

This has to be seen as a massive step in the right direction by Merson and fans will be hoping that it is a sign of better things to come. It will certainly reduce the pressure on the under fire manager, at least for the time being, as fans wait to see the quality of any appointment and what difference it makes.

The reason for this move at this time is also, of course interesting. It could be taken at face value that Merson has at last seen some common sense, but the news yesterday that Jeff Bonser has freed up funds for loan signings also means that he might have given Merson an ultimatum to get some experience in or no funds (or, possibly, no job). Whatever the reason, we must now give Merson a chance to redeem the disastrous start.