Jon Whitney 'excited' for Walsall future ahead of fan meeting

Whitney will join chief executive Stefan Gamble and club secretary Dan Mole at a fan focus meeting taking place at the Banks's Stadium.

The meeting, which will begin at 6.30pm, is likely to be a difficult evening for three men with Saddlers fans growing increasingly frustrated with events on and off the field.

A number of supporters are unhappy with how Whitney is managing the team with Walsall currently sitting just three points above the relegation zone in League One.

But fans are also concerned about the lack of ambition under owner Jeff Bonser – with a protest about the overall direction of the club due to take place during Saturday's match with Oxford.

Whitney though is confident his team will be more successful over the next 12 months than they were in 2017 – with the manager adamant his team will quickly climb the table.

"I won’t look back on 2017 – instead I will look forward, 2017 has been and gone," he said.

"I will concentrate on 2018 because I can do something about that.

"I am very optimistic, very positive and excited about the year ahead.

"That is not going to change. That is me, it is in my make-up. I am a positive person.

"I’m excited about this group of players and their potential.

"I am also excited about the January transfer window and the changes that are going to come.

"We will do everything we can to get points on the board and climb the table.

"This football club is a special place and that is why I am looking forward to 2018."

While excited about the future, Whitney said he is determined to improve as a manager.

"I want to get better in everything I do, in the football world and outside the football world," he continued.

"I believe you can learn every day so of course I am here to improve.

"I enjoy this job and I really enjoy helping young players. I'm here to help players improve and showcase their talents.