Walsall's Dean Smith keen on home comforts
Manager Dean Smith today hoped Walsall are rediscovering a winning formula at home as they prepare to tackle unbeaten league leaders Bristol City.
The Saddlers go into tomorrow's game on the back of impressive back-to-back home wins over Preston and Doncaster in which they have scored six goals.
Inconsistent home form was a constant frustration for Smith last season, as his side won just seven times in front of their own fans in the league and scored a record low goal total.
But the evidence of recent weeks has left the manager hopeful they are finally getting back on track at the Banks's Stadium.
Smith, who has sensed an improving mood in his squad, said: "We need to get back to a winning formula at home and excite and entertain the fans – and the last few games we felt we have done that.
"It was a good feeling in dressing room last Saturday after Doncaster, though there was a good feeling before the game, to be honest.
"They fancied themselves to go and do something and there were some really good goals and probably could have been more looking back on it.
"Richard O'Donnell was rarely troubled and defensively we have looked very good at home and most of the season, with the exception of the one game when we lost to Yeovil.
"I think we have had five clean sheets in the league which is really good defensive form and we have started scoring at the other end now."
Smith will have the largest selection of players to choose from this season, with Sam Mantom the only remaining absentee.
The midfielder has been sidelined with a frustrating knee injury since the start of pre-season and his manager laughed off internet "conspiracy theories" his continued absence might be due to the player being unhappy.
"Despite all the conspiracy theories he's okay," said Smith. "He's getting back on track.
"It's just been an injury that has taken a lot longer than we all thought and it's baffled a few specialists as well, just the nature of the injury and how long it's taken.
"I've been told by Sam there have been a few people questioning that but it's just an injury which occurred and has taken longer to come back than expected."
