Dean Smith calls for calm at Walsall

Walsall boss Dean Smith has issued a call for cool heads as the Saddlers' battle for survival reaches fever pitch.

The manager insisted they won't hit the panic button in the relegation run-in as they bid to out-smart their drop rivals.

They host Hartlepool tomorrow knowing a win could take them three points clear of the relegation zone if other results go their way.

Smith said: "The ones who are thinking clearly on and off the pitch are the ones who are going to come through. I keep talking about emotional control and mental strength but that's not just the players, it's the coaching staff too.

"It's going to be a hard game and we need everyone behind us and pushing in the same direction."

The Saddlers are level on points with 20th placed Dagenham who host Charlton tomorrow.

Drop rivals Swindon go to Huddersfield, Plymouth host Rochdale and Bristol Rovers visit Notts County but Smith urged everyone to stop second-guessing Walsall's fate.

He said: "Members of my family have already told me about the BBC predictor they do but you can't predict anything.

"You keep predicting six numbers on the lottery but never do it so don't start trying to do it with football results."

Hartlepool arrive eighth in League One, well clear of danger, and Smith insisted Hartlepool cannot be underestimated.

He said: "It's going to be a strange game and a strange atmosphere. I'm sure our fans will have looked at Hartlepool and seen it as a win.

"Sometimes there's a misconception, fans look at clubs rather than the teams. Hartlepool are not one of the bigger clubs but are punching above their weight this season.

"We'll be trying as hard as we can to get the first goal and there needs to be a bit of patience if it doesn't come.

"They have done really well. I know a couple of players there, Adam Boyd who was at Leyton Orient with me and I played with Sam Collins at Port Vale and they are a good team who are doing well.

"It's going to be a hard game and we need everyone behind us to try and get the early goal we want."