Saddlers' boss looks back at a season of real progress...
SADDLERS’ boss, Dean Smith, has reflected upon the 2012/13 campaign.“It’s fair to say that it’s been a season of contrasts,” he said. “We started well then had that run of 16 games without a win during the Autumn before going 15 games unbeaten in the second half of the season to take our challenge for the play-offs right up to the penultimate game.
“You win some, you lose some in football, but one of the key factors is how you react to various situations. I have to say that my players and staff have been fantastic; they have given me everything and worked so hard for this club during the past nine months or so.
“The biggest part of any football club is the people and I am fortunate to work with some great people who make this such a great place to be.
“I am extremely proud to be manager of this football club.
“I was given the opportunity to bring forward a philosophy this year and even though it’s only our fledgling season with it, much progress has been made and that is great credit to everyone involved.
“We look forward to keeping this progression going into next season and beyond. It’s a long-term project and solid foundations have been laid.
“We can look back on 2012/13 with real satisfaction.”
The Saddlers' boss gave an inspirational speech at our End of Season Awards evening on Sunday before presenting Will Grigg with the Players' Player of the Season Award.