Speaking shortly after his side ended their 2021/22 pre-season campaign with a two-nil defeat to Cheltenham Town, Walsall Head Coach Matthew Taylor was keen to remain positive and look ahead to next weekend's season opener.
Taking on last season's League Two champions, Taylor's Saddlers enjoyed a positive, attacking opening forty-five minutes before succumbing to their higher-ranked opponents during a disappointing second half.
Goals from Matty Blair and Charlie Raglan were enough to see the home side secure the win, but Taylor, who was asked if he was happy with his team's overall display, insisted he was.
Speaking to the assembled media, including the Express & Star, Matthew said; "Most definitely. In the first half, I thought we were excellent in our build-up play and getting to the final third.
Taking on last season's League Two champions, Taylor's Saddlers enjoyed a positive, attacking opening forty-five minutes before succumbing to their higher-ranked opponents during a disappointing second half.
Goals from Matty Blair and Charlie Raglan were enough to see the home side secure the win, but Taylor, who was asked if he was happy with his team's overall display, insisted he was.
Speaking to the assembled media, including the Express & Star, Matthew said; "Most definitely. In the first half, I thought we were excellent in our build-up play and getting to the final third.
"Then, we didn't make enough good decisions. We came away having had seven attempts without scoring a goal.
"That shows you a slight area we need to improve, but this was a positive exercise for us, although we lost the game.
"The players are disappointed, but when you contextualise things – a new group of players, a new group of staff with new ideas – it's going to take time for it to all knit together.
"In terms of effort and determination, no problems or qualms with that. We understand we need to get better in the opposition box, but I'd be more disappointed if we hadn't created anything. We're doing the right things, and it will come."
The gaffer then went on to insist that the most important thing is next weekend's clash with Tranmere Rovers, before praising some of his returning players as they entered their first full ninety minutes of the pre-season campaign.
Matthew continued; "The most important thing is Tranmere.
The gaffer then went on to insist that the most important thing is next weekend's clash with Tranmere Rovers, before praising some of his returning players as they entered their first full ninety minutes of the pre-season campaign.
Matthew continued; "The most important thing is Tranmere.
"Without making excuses, we've missed two games this pre-season that have been out of our control, with six friendlies originally planned but clashes with Leamington and Albion called off because of Covid-19 and adverse weather conditions respectively.
"For some of the players, that was their first 90 minutes in pre-season. So, I'm really happy with lots of what came out of the game."