Stuart Sinclair impressed by Walsall spirit

Supporters got a first glimpse of their new-look side in competitive action on Saturday – with Darrell Clarke’s men kicking-off League Two with a win at Northampton.

The match-day squad at Northampton included just four players who featured for Walsall last season, with one of those youngster Callum Cockerill-Mollett, who spent the majority of the campaign out on loan.

But despite a host of new arrivals, they battled their way to a win and clean sheet.

And Sinclair hopes fans can see the spirit that’s already formed in the group.

“I think the integration of the new players has been great and I think that is an art of the gaffer – he’s very good at building those changing rooms,” the 31-year-old said.

“Everyone has fitted in really well and there is a really good feel around the place at the moment.

“Hopefully everyone can see how good the feeling inside is from the outside. It’s hugely important that all the new lads have settled in as quickly as they have. But when there have been a lot of changes things do take a bit of time.

“I am sure there will be stages in the season that are tough because that is how football works and that is why we love it – because of the highs and lows.

“If it was all plain sailing, it would be boring and nobody would watch it.

“There will be difficult periods and I think it is about us all sticking together as players, as staff, as supporters and as a collective.

“If we can drive that forward and all go in the same direction, those teams, they gather momentum.”

As well as the arrival of new players and a new coaching staff, Sinclair believes Leigh Pomlett’s takeover has also helped lift the club.

“I think there was a little bit of uneasiness around the club – that’s what I gathered from only just coming in,” He added.

“I do think the changes that have happened have pushed the club forward in terms of positivity.

“We have only met the chairman briefly but he seems really amazing.

“I know he has been in and around the football club for a while now and that is important as well.”