Walsall Head Coach Matt Taylor admitted the team have had a ‘very honest’ week ahead of Saturday’s encounter against Northampton Town.
The Saddlers will be looking to end their disappointing run at the Banks’s Stadium against Jon Brady’s side.
The players have been training every day this week as they look to right the wrongs from last Saturday’s match against Bristol Rovers and after some honest conversations, preparations for the game have been positive.
“Early part of the week the players were probably low on confidence, which is understandable considering the manner in which we lost the game on Saturday but it’s been a super training week in terms of application from the players,” Taylor said.
“Also, we’ve had a very honest week because we’re all aware, and I put myself in the category as well, that we’re not performing to potential at the moment but now we’ve got the opportunity on Saturday to try and win a game of football.
“I feel that the squad is in a good place, we’re still missing Manny for the game but everyone’s been training well.
“The players have been in every day and I think that’s also important. It’s a massive game for us, it’s the biggest game of our season on Saturday and having looked a Northampton it’s going to be a very tough game.”
January additions Donervon Daniels and Reece Devine have both made their Saddlers debut since joining the club.
Devante Rodney is yet to feature since joining last week but Taylor explained at his pre-match press conference the striker has integrated into the group and is hopeful that he’ll be available but he will be protected as he regains match fitness.
Taylor revealed the three additions have all settled in well and is pleased with his January business.
“What I like about the players that have come in, in terms of Reece, Donervon and Devante is that they’ve all got a point to prove and are at different stages in terms of their career,” he commented.
“We’ve got the experienced players, we have that understanding in Donervon, he’s a leader. Look at Reece, he’s desperate to perform and he’s a player who will most definitely grow.
“Devante in terms of his power, his goalscoring ability, he’s a player that probably hasn’t hit his potential yet and that’s hugely important for the football club.
“It’s imperative that we sign the correct type of people first as a pose to just based on their ability. January’s a tough month to recruit and it was my first one. It was eventful. We lost three and we replaced with three very good players.”
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