Right-back enjoying life at the Banks's...
CYPRUS international Jason Demetriou has hailed the team spirit in the Walsall squad – saying there is a “family atmosphere” between players and staff.The Saddlers are second in League One with 16 points from seven matches ahead of this afternoon’s visit to managerless Peterborough.
It has been an impressive start to the season for Dean Smith’ side, and Demetriou has put our fine form down to the spirit and togetherness in the camp.
“There’s such a good atmosphere with the boys and the coaching staff,” he said.
“It’s like a family. There’s a family atmosphere and we enjoy playing together and you can see that on the pitch.”
The energetic right-back joined Walsall from Anorthosis Famagusta (of Cyprus) in the summer, and is enjoying working under Saddlers boss Dean Smith - his youth team manager at Leyton Orient.
“He pushed me through the youth team at Orient,” said Demetriou.
“Then as soon as I got my first-year pro contract, he became assistant manager. We must have been together for about four or five years there, so it’s a long time we’ve been together.
“I’m enjoying playing under him again, and I’ve been happy with my performances this season. I finally feel back to my fittest and I think I’ve done quite well. There’s still more to come and hopefully with more games I can keep improving, and keep helping the side.”
Demetriou has slotted seamlessly into a well-marshalled defence, helping the Saddlers keep three clean sheets in his six league appearances.
“We’ve got some good players in the team,” said Demetriou.
“A lot of the boys have had a few years to grow together and we communicate very well as a back four and look after each other.
"We feel confident that we’re not going to concede many goals and long may that continue because it helps the attackers, and helps us get three points.”
Walsall have excelled on the road this term – winning their opening three away league matches against Southend (2-0), Rochdale (2-1) and Blackpool (4-0).
A tricky fixture at Peterborough awaits this afternoon, but Demetriou is targeting more away day success.
“The last away game I played in was Blackpool and we put on a great performance as a team,” he said.
“It was a great day out – the fans were there in their numbers, it was sunny and it was a great performance. Hopefully, it’ll be the same at Peterborough.”