Andy Butler wants buzz at the Banks's: Walsall skipper says fans can aid play-off push

The Saddlers go into tomorrow's trip to high-flying Rotherham without a win in eight games after Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Crewe.

A run of three points out of the last 24 has left Dean Smith's side seven points outside the play-off zone with 10 games left.

"The fans have to keep believing and not get frustrated," said Butler.

"Against Crewe there was a lot of moaning, and I thought 'if you're positive, the players become more positive'."

"There's a buzz about any ground when it's full. Why not have a buzz at the Banks's?"

Butler claims the support is a two-way street, believing the players would respond more if there was a more positive atmosphere inside the ground.

"I know it's more difficult when you're losing, but the more encouragement they give us, the more things the lads try," said the skipper.

"We've been playing well but it's just been the rub of the green – we've had a couple of decisions go against us."

Tuesday's point against Crewe ended a run of four successive defeats, but was only their third point out of the last available 24.

The Saddlers have found it hard going at home all season with only six wins at the Banks's Stadium.

The last of those was against Oldham on January 21 but the club's six away victories have kept them on the fringes of the play-off race.

By contrast Rotherham are only three places ahead of Walsall, but a distant 17 points ahead of them after eight wins and three draws from their last 11.

But Butler maintains they can still reach the play-offs.

"I'm confident we'll still be there," he said. "I don't think confidence has been shaken that much.

"We enjoy playing our football, but I just don't think results have gone for us.

"Whoever makes the most consistent run now is going to be in it. It's all to play for."