Express & Star

Dean Keates looking forward to Accrington clash

Dean Keates has challenged his Saddlers underdogs to have biggest bark when they host Accrington Stanley tomorrow.

Published
Last updated
Dean Keates

John Coleman's side head to the Banks's Stadium having made an impressive start to life in League One following their promotion last season.

Stanley won League Two despite operating on the joint-lowest budget in the division.

And they have adapted well to life in English football's third tier with their opening day loss to Gillingham their only defeat so far.

Walsall meanwhile, sit fifth in the table despite being amongst the bookies favourites for relegation before a ball had been kicked.

And Keates feels there are a lot of similarities between the sides.

"It's two clubs, two unfancied clubs who are punching well above their weight at the moment," the boss said.

"From our side, long may it continue.

"Accrington are always going to be one of those teams that get written off.

"They have a small attendance etc, etc. But what John Coleman has done there over the years has been magnificent.

"It’s a big game for both teams. It will be very difficult. They are very honest, they work very hard and they play from a good shape.

"But we are confident that, if we perform to our best, we will give ourselves an opportunity to win the game."

Keates feels a strong team spirit is the reason why his Walsall team has started the season so well.

"Team spirit is key to everything," the boss continued.

"I have been in changing rooms when I was a player where not too much is expected of you.

"But you can always go against the odds so long as the changing room is healthy, strong and everyone is pulling in the same direction.

"If you have that, you have got an opportunity to achieve something.

"I’ve said from day one we were always going to be unfancied. But we have got to have belief and confidence in each other.

"It needed the players to come in and buy into what me and my staff and trying to do and they have done that."