Paul Downing: Stability is key for Walsall
Defender Paul Downing believes stability on and off the field is the secret to Walsall's success.
The in-form Saddlers resume their push for the Championship when they host Sheffield United at the Banks's Stadium on Saturday.
Dean Smith's side currently sit third in League One, two points behind joint leaders Gillingham and Coventry City with a game in hand.
And Downing believes that success has been built on having a stable side as well as keeping hold of their coveted boss.
He said: "We have had stability for a number of years both on playing side and on the manager side. You're now seeing what you can do with that.
"The manager has just signed a new deal and it's a great signing for the club.
"We have a manager who knows the players inside out and gets the best out of us. That can only come with time."
Downing, who is yet to score this season, also revealed he lost a bet with team-mate Jason Demetriou after the full-back netted his first goal of the campaign in the win over Gillingham.
He added: "I lost a bet with Jason because I said I'd score before him so I've had to pay up my £10. Scoring more goals is an area of my game I'm really trying to improve."
