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Walsall to Defend - Ipswich Town News

Walsall manager Ray Graydon has said that he feels his side need just one point ot be sure of staying in the First Division and will be playing for a point at Portman Road on Saturday.

Many Town fans felt that Walsall might come to Portman Road with winning on their minds, but that doesn't seem the case. Town fans will remember the frustrating afternoon at the Bescot Stadium in October when only a last minute Richard Naylor header saw Town to victory.

The Blues, as ever, have had a few problems breaking down sides who come to defend at Portman Road and Sunday is set to be a very nervy afternoon indeed.

Town have a few injury worries after the excellent win at the Valley on Saturday. Marcus Stewart went off with a dead leg, but should be OK for Sunday. Mark Venus's ankle is still affecting him, whilst Matt Holland is suffering from bruising. Both ought to be available for the crunch fixture on Sunday. John McGreal may be back for the play-offs if necessary. We pray they are not.

Mickey Stockwell could be the latest recruit to the North Essex Home for Retired Town Players. He is the latest Town player to become a target of Steve Whitton. Stockwell is out of contract in the summer and no decision has yet been made over whether a new one will be offered.

If Town are promoted it seems unlikely that he will be offered anything at Town, although if Town were to remain in Division One he may be offered another year. He would join Whitton and other ex-Townees Jason Dozzell, Geraint Williams, Gavin Johnson, Steve McGavin, Chris Keeble, David Gregory and probably a whole heap of others.

The new Churchman's moves another stage nearer reality today when it goes before Borough planning officers. They are expected to back the plan which will see 4,500 new seats on a second tier of Churchman's. A similar development will eventually be made to the North Stand.

Richard Wright and Marcus Stewart were picked in the Division One Team of the Year at the Professional Footballers' Association annual awards.

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