Chris Hutchings questions his players

Defiant boss Chris Hutchings has questioned his players' commitment to Walsall's relegation fight – as the Saddlers board remained tight-lipped over his future.

The manager is on the brink after a catastrophic start to the season left the team joint bottom of League One, following Saturday's disastrous 4-1 defeat at home to Tranmere.

Fans have called for him to be axed and the club haven't commented on the under-fire boss – who has insisted he will not quit.

Now Hutchings has rounded on his players and warned they will pay the price if they don't have the stomach for a scrap.

He said: "Managers are always under pressure and I can assure the fans that, as coaching staff, we are hurting deeply and the moment, but what about the players?

"We had a meeting yesterday and a few things were said. I told the players to take a good look in the mirror and be totally honest with themselves and ask 'can they give any more?'

"This is a ruthless business and if the players aren't doing their jobs they won't stay in the team.

"If they don't want to work hard they will be sitting in the stand. We know we've got good players but we need to show attitude first and foremost.

"We've got to be men and stand up and be counted."

The Saddlers have won just once in their last 11 games and only three times all season to remain rooted in the relegation zone.

The board have yet to comment on his future despite growing supporter unrest, which saw calls for his head at the weekend.

Hutchings has been in charge since January 2009 and has won 28 of his 87 games, losing 36 and drawing 23.

A trip to promotion-chasing Huddersfield is up next on Saturday, the start of a run which sees them face five of the top eight teams.

Peterborough then visit the Banks's Stadium on Tuesday before a tricky FA Cup tie at Fleetwood on November 6.