Kenny Hibbitt urges Walsall to speak

Former Walsall boss Kenny Hibbitt has urged the Saddlers to break their silence on manager Chris Hutchings' future.

Hibbitt signed Hutchings and assistant Martin O'Connor while in charge at Walsall and reckons the duo must be given until January to save the season.

The club have issued a firm "no comment" to questions surrounding the under-pressure Hutchings after a dismal 4-1 home defeat to Tranmere at the weekend.

The Saddlers are joint bottom of League One ahead of Saturday's trip to Huddersfield and Hibbitt, who managed Walsall between 1990 and 1994, insisted the club must tell the fans what's going on

He said: "They have to come out and say 'Chris and Martin are here, they are the manager and the coach, now let's get on with it.'

"It doesn't have to be a vote of confidence because I don't like that, but it needs to be more positive than negative.

"I hope they get the support from the directors and given the opportunity to resurrect their season."

Supporters are calling for Hutchings to go following one win in 11 games - and just three all season - but Hibbitt stressed there is still time to turn it around.

The former Wolves midfielder said: "I would definitely wait and see and give them until January.

"If they find the situation hasn't changed then maybe they will need to get a new guy in.

"It wouldn't be too late. It's only October so it's early, let's wait until everyone is fit and then judge them.

"It only takes two or three wins and you're going up the table."

Hibbitt revealed his surprise at how badly the season has gone but sympathises with his former charges because of the lack of available funds.

He said: "Chris was one of my first signings and I bought Martin for £40,000 from Crystal Palace.

"I was looking forward to it when they got together and I thought they would be a successful pairing.

"But it's difficult when a manager hasn't got any money to spend in today's climate.

"I'm not talking mega-bucks but you have to wheel and deal with some money and it's difficult when you are just taking players no one else wants."