Fans give backing to new man Dean Keates

Figures obtained from the Express & Star’s end-of-season survey showed Saddlers supporters are right behind the 39-year-old after he kept the team in League One last season.

But while fans are now happy with their boss, a whopping 91 per cent believe the club should have sacked former manager Jon Whitney earlier last season.

Around 700 people took part in the annual survey with 84 per cent believing Walsall’s final of position of 19th in League One was not good enough.

And now more than two-thirds believe a top-half finish would be acceptable next year.

Interestingly, only 58 per cent of those polled feel the Saddlers are going to miss key man Erhun Oztumer, who looks to be closing in on a move to Bolton.

The 27-year-old has been Walsall’s top scorer in each of the last two seasons but will leave the club on a free this summer after turning down a contract extension.

But while the majority of fans think he will be a loss, 42 per cent are happy to see him move on so Keates can build a team in his own image.

Elsewhere, the survey saw Joe Edwards crowned player of the season, with Oztumer in second place and keeper Liam Roberts third. Jack Fitzwater was deemed the most successful loan signing ahead of Tyler Roberts and Zeli Ismail.

Meanwhile, the 1-0 win over Northampton – a game which saw George Dobson effectively seal Saddlers’ survival with a 90th-minute winner – was voted match of the season.

Off the field, 59 per cent of fans surveyed said they are happy with ticket prices at the Banks’s Stadium.

However, 62 per cent of those polled felt lowering them further would be the best way to increase attendances.

Walsall’s new kits for the 2018/19 campaign – which were launched last month – have proved incredibly popular with fans.

Designed by Italian firm Errea, this year’s home shirt features a black trim while the away jersey consists of different shades of blue.

And 89 per cent of fans said they are happy with the designs.

Arguably the biggest question in the survey asked fans whether they believe Walsall will win promotion to the Championship within the next five years.

But only 43 per cent said they think they will, with 57 per cent believing English football’s second tier will continue to elude them.