Walsall Head Coach Michael Flynn says he has loved his first year in charge of the Saddlers and believes foundations have been put in place for success.
The Welshman was appointed a year ago today and guided the club to safety last season and also led the team to the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup for the first time since 2016 earlier this term.
Flynn feels good progress has been made and is optimistic about the future after what’s been an enjoyable and encouraging first 12 months in the hotseat.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it,” Flynn said.
“I’ve really bought into the club; I’m putting my heart and soul into the club. Yes, we look at the table and where we are but there are so many positive things at this football club with Trivela, Leigh, Stef, Dan – all those people who have put their hearts and souls into the club for so long.
“The supporters have taken to us. It’s going to be a marathon, not a sprint and we’re putting the building blocks in place for this football club to be successful.”
The Saddlers recorded their third successive draw with a stalemate at Colchester United last night.
Flynn was pleased to see the team keep another clean sheet but has called for more quality in the final third to help them turn draws into wins.
“It’s a good point but it should have been three,” he commented.
“We’re lacking a little bit at the minute in the final third. It’s our 11th clean sheet of the season, could easily have been 15 so that tells us that we are sound defensively, we just need that little bit more quality and I’ve been saying it for most of the season.
“I said it to the players, just that little bit more belief, little bit better decision making. We looked like the only team who was going to win it but it’s a tough place to come, a long journey and now we’ve got to get ready for Newport on Saturday which will be a tough game.”
Walsall were without Conor Wilkinson on Tuesday night after he was stretchered off against Leyton Orient on Saturday.
While there wasn’t much to celebrate down in Essex last night, Flynn was able to provide some good news on the striker.
“It’s very positive, there’s no damage to the knee from what I’ve just been told,” he revealed.
“It’s a slight calf strain which is very good news.
“I’m pleased because I know how hard he’s work to get back fit and play for this football club but it’s a positive day in that respect.
“The fans who travelled down, I know how long it is. Those supporters didn’t have too much to cheer about in terms of attempts on goal but they’ve seen the effort of the players. We’ve got four out of our next five at home now so let’s start looking up.”
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