Same old story for frustrated Walsall boss Jon Whitney
Boss Jon Whitney has expressed his frustration over Walsall’s failure to string together a run of wins, feeling it is ‘the story of our season’.
The Saddlers followed up a 3-0 victory at Southend United on Saturday with a loss at home, by the same scoreline, to struggling Rochdale on Tuesday.
They remain 13th in League One, seven points clear of the relegation zone.
“It is frustrating,” said Whitney on being unable to build momentum.
“It’s certainly not good, is it? It seems to be the story of our season, doesn’t it?
“The gut feeling was to maybe change a couple for Tuesday and it’s great in hindsight, to go back.
“The second goal particularly, though, was a sucker punch – very difficult to come back from that.”
Walsall have lost three of their last four games and some supporters have grown tired of Whitney’s reign, chanting ‘we want Whitney out’ after the Dale defeat.
Next up for the Saddlers is a trip to second-placed Shrewsbury Town on Saturday.
Salop have been on a superb run this campaign and will be in great spirits after making it to the Checkatrade Trophy final at Wembley, by beating Yeovil Town 1-0 in the semi finals on Tuesday.
Whitney insists his charges will be ‘ready for battle’.
“I just don’t think we had it in the tank, but things will be different for Saturday,” he said.
“We’ll keep our heads up now. You have to be ready. If you’re going to sulk, that will affect your preparation for Saturday.
“It’s about being mentally strong, recovering properly and getting the nutrition on board.
“We’ll freshen up for Saturday and be ready for battle.”
Tuesday was not the first time Walsall supporters have voiced their displeasure this term.
Whitney has been under pressure for large spells of the season and Saddlers fans have also protested in objection to how the club is being run.
About 150 piled out of the exits on the 80th minute of their 2-1 home triumph over Oxford United on January 13 and chanted ‘we want our Walsall back’.
“I don’t mind staying out there and having criticism,” Whitney added.
“The fans, like always, have a right to – and I’ll never say anything bad about the fans.
“If you’re getting beat 3-0 at home, of course I’m going to come under criticism.”
