Walsall's Joe Edwards wants a positive mindset

The Saddlers , who lost to relegation rivals Rochdale on Saturday, have won just one of their last 10 matches.

That run has seen them drop to 17th in League One, just three points above the relegation zone.

And against the Dale on Saturday, you could see how the disappointing run of results has affected the confidence of the players.

Walsall were guilty of playing long too often, with manager Dean Keates admitting afterwards his players seemed overly anxious about making mistakes. And Edwards has told his team-mates they must now dig deep and find the belief needed to get back to winning ways.

“Rochdale was a massive game, it was a chance to put some space between us and the bottom four and we didn’t do it,” the midfielder said.

“The lads are really disappointed. But this is where mindsets are so important.

“We conceded an early goal and that set us back and affected the confidence of a few of the boys as well. But we can’t think like that, you have to be brave – you can’t think negatively.

“Going into the game we knew we had to be composed on the ball if we wanted to win. But we were rushed at times.

“We had more time of the ball than we realised and we didn’t make the most of it. That is where confidence and self-belief are so important.

“Mindsets are so important. We have to try to go into games with confidence – even if we are not feeling it. We have to change that mindset.”

Edwards says it’s important everyone remembers Walsall’s fate is still very much in their own hands.

“It’s still in our hands which is a good thing,” he continued.

“We have got big games coming up, and we if get results things we start to look a lot more healthy.

“There is still plenty to play for. It’s the start of February. There is no disaster. We have a lot of work to do and we have to get on with it and look forward. We are in a massive period and we need everyone fighting. We need to make things happen now.”

While Walsall’s overall performance against Rochdale was disappointing, Edwards did score a fine individual goal.

And the former Yeovil man admitted it was nice to get back on target having recently spent nine months on the sidelines with a knee injury.

“I’ve had a bit of stick from a few people saying it wasn’t a good goal but I don’t think it was half bad,” Edwards added.

“It was a good goal. It opened up for me a little bit. I managed to burst through and produce a finish.

“Being out for so long and getting my first goal back was massive for me. It was a real confidence boost for myself.

“My priority is to add goals and produce performances that help us climb up the table.”