Boss hoping for a response tomorrow...
Head coach Jon Whitney insists Walsall will “give it a go” against Barnsley in tomorrow’s play-off semi-final second leg.The Saddlers face an uphill task after losing the first leg 3-0 at Oakwell on Saturday.
No team in the 29-year history of the play-offs has ever overturned a three-goal first-leg deficit – but Whitney says his players will give it their best shot.
“We’re approaching it with anticipation and a bit of excitement,” said Whitney. “We’re all looking forward to it.
“We understand it’s a big ask, a huge task and everyone keeps saying we’re going to have to make history to turn around a three-goal deficit. But, of course, we’re going to give it a go.
“What an opportunity we’ve got to create a bit of history. We’d love to be coming into the second leg with a 1-0 lead but we can’t – that’s in the past.
“We’ve got to give it a go but we can’t be gung-ho, we still have to try to keep a clean sheet. It’s a really intriguing game.
“But the biggest thing is wanting to win and playing with a bit of passion and desire.”
“The fans know it’s a big task but deep down, they just want to see players who play for the shirt,” he added.
“They want to see players leaving everything out on the pitch – players who wear their heart on their sleeve.
“We owe it to the fans and we’ve got to put a shift in for them. I’m going to try to get my players to give you something.
“And if you stay with us, you never know, you may be a part of something quite special. So don’t miss out, don’t be too pessimistic – please stick with us.
“History can be made and we’ve got a chance to make some history. Why not Walsall Football Club? We’ve scored three goals or more nine times this season so why can’t it be us?
“Come along and hopefully you’ll be part of something incredibly special.”