If the proof of a pudding is in the eating then the footballing equivalent must be ticket sales and, by that measure at least, Paul Merson appears to be doing a good job at Walsall.
Since they put their season tickets on sale on Tuesday the Saddlers have sold more than 500 for their next campaign, which is likely to be a second in League One.
And that must come as a source of some satisfaction to Merson who has endured a turbulent first full-season in management and has at times been questioned by the Walsall faithful.
The Bescot outfit are 15th in the league and won't enjoy an immediate promotion. And that, set against their pre-season goals, has to be considered something of a let-down.
But it appears the fans are willing to give the former Aston Villa and England star more time to prove himself.
