Walsall manager Jon Whitney has spoken to the local press as he and his backroom team continue to prepare for the upcoming Sky Bet League One campaign, and has discussed his belief that Saddlers supporters will expect the side to challenge for promotion once again following last season's third place finish.
Speaking via the Express & Star, Jon said; “Of course there is going to be expectancy, but we put a lot of pressure on ourselves. It is not a burden, it is a challenge. But I think we may need a bit of realism as well. The fact is, we have to build and bed-in some players again. If they bed-in and gel well who knows where it will take us. But we may have to be a little bit patient.
“It is exciting. There are no nerves, no anxiety, just anticipation with a bit of excitement and a desire to be the best we can be. I will make sure there is no lack of effort. Sometimes effort is not enough, you need a skill set but I will develop that with my staff and my players.
“There is a definite correlation that if you have a settled squad it helps you to be a lot more successful. Last year we added three or four but we had the settled nucleus of a squad so we could hit the ground running. It will be different this year but we understand that and we will be ready.”