Walsall boss Darrell Clarke eager for ‘sweet success’
Manager Darrell Clarke has promised supporters that Walsall's future success will be even sweeter because of their poor start to the new campaign.
The Saddlers slipped to a 3-1 home defeat to Grimsby on Saturday, meaning they have won just one of their opening six matches in League Two.
As has been the story of the season so far, Clarke's men enjoyed heavy spells of pressure but failed to make the most of the chances they created.
But the manager – who twice won promotion with Bristol Rovers despite making slow starts to the campaign – is adamant things will soon turn around.
"I know what it takes when you are not on a good run, what needs to be done," Clarke said.
"When you are losing games, you have to create a siege mentality around the place because you lose your fans when you lose games, that’s obvious.
"We really appreciate the support we’ve been given so far. But you lose them when you are losing games.
"What I will say is when we do turn it around – and we will turn it around – it’s going to be even sweeter.
"I’m made of hard stuff, I’ve been there, seen it, done it, managed well over 400 games now.
"And as daft it sounds, I’m really enjoying the job. It’s p*****g me off with the defeats, but it will turn and it will be ever sweeter when it does.
"We know we have got to work hard to turn it around, when the momentum swings the other way we can all have a smile on our face. Until then, hard work."
Walsall confirmed after the defeat to Grimsby they had signed Rory Gaffney on a season-long loan from Salford City.
The striker previously worked with Clarke at Bristol Rovers.
"I know Rory, I know what he’s about," the manager continued.
"He will offer something different, he is mobile, I like my centre-forwards mobile.
"He works opportunities and creates opportunities, I’m pleased to work with him again."
Meanwhile, Clarke expects to add a winger to his squad before the transfer window closes at 5pm today.
"I’m still looking for another wide player," he added.
"We have got an offer in for a loan for a high level wide player. And I have got two or three behind that if that falls through."
