Walsall supporters: Tell us what's going on

In a statement released exclusively to the Express & Star, The Walsall Football Supporters Trust said fans are worried about the direction Saddlers are heading in.

Spokesman Steve Davies revealed fans are particularly concerned about comments from boss Jon Whitney that described Walsall as a ‘developing club’ and one that will see other clubs continually ‘cherry-pick’ their players.

The Trust is also concerned that midfielder Isaiah Osbourne has said he wants to leave and that star man Erhun Oztumer is yet to sign a contract extension currently on the table.

“There is a great deal of frustration at the lack of communication from people from the football club,” Davies said.

“This week we have had the news Osbourne wants to leave. Craig MacGillivray has left. We’ve been told we could lose Erhun Oztumer because he has not signed a new deal.

“We’ve had all this at time when the fan base is also split as to whether Jon Whitney is the right man to take us forward.

“The fans are calling for comments from the football club because the silence is deafening.”

Davies said a big concern for fans was how Whitney described Walsall as a developing club. “A lot of people are very concerned about those comments because it made us sound like a feeder club,” he continued.

“We spent a lot of money watching the team. We don’t want to hear we’re going to do everything we can to develop a player and then he will be gone.

“It may be true. But what we want to hear is that we are developing a team so we can be successful.”

Davies said fans also want clarification on the future of future of Oztumer who has become the Saddlers star player since joining on a free transfer from Peterborough last summer.

“We understand Oztumer has had a great season and will attract interest,” Davies said.

“But are we just a club that is going to keep on selling our crown jewels?

“Can we keep him? He has got one-year left and are we strong enough to say you are staying with us for the next 12 months.

“These are the issues 90 per cent of fans are thinking about at the moment and we want clarification on them.”

While unhappy with some of the managers comments in the media, Davies said he still has some sympathy with boss Whitney.

“I am gutted for Jon because he has been a fantastic servant to the club.” he added.

“It was not a bad season and some of the treatment from the fans has been over the top.

“But perhaps sometimes he is just too honest.

“A lot of the games we have played, even the ones we have lost or drawn I have been entertained.

“But there is no doubt something isn’t right at the moment.

“The club needs to tell us what is going on. The fans are asking the questions and something needs to be put down on paper.

“Somebody needs to calm the waters.”