Walsall boss thanks Jeff Bonser for his support

The Saddlers chairman has returned to watch the Saddlers' last two away victories to end a self-imposed absence of almost three years.

Bonser was at Deepdale yesterday to see Walsall sink Preston 3-1 after making a low-key comeback for the Boxing Day win at Milton Keynes Dons.

And Smith insisted, despite his decision to stay away from games after fans' criticism over his running of the club, Bonser has always backed him.

He said: "He's been a big support for me, the coaching staff and the players. The support has been unwavering, even during the run we were having, 16-game winless streak.

"It's pleasing we're winning and putting smiles back on the faces. The support is still there. He's been around the training ground all season.

"I will be on to him as it's the last two away wins he's been to. Unfortunately,he didn't make Leyton Orient as we got beaten there, so I will be on to him to come to the next away game."

Despite staying away from games,Bonser has continued to work at the club and is a regular visitor to the Saddlers' Essington training ground.

And after signing academy chief Neil Woods to a two-year deal and tying down teenage defender Mal Benning on fresh terms last week, Smith insisted Bonser is behind the club's long-term vision.

Smith added: "He wants the club to keep moving forward. We said at the start of the season that we had a plan to move forward and he's been integral to that."

Yesterday's win moved the Saddlers up to 12th in League One, five points off the play-off places. Smith praised his players after their third straight win.

He said: "We played some terrific stuff at times. The front four have got some great movement and awareness and we scored some great goals.

"We are taking each game as it comes but we've won five out of the last six which is a great return. The lads are working hard."