Darrell Clarke: Walsall moving in the right direction

The Saddlers have now only lost twice in their last 13 games after a run of six consecutive defeats in October.

The fans were particularly loud throughout Wednesday's win over Leyton Orient and Clarke is aiming to improve the fan-player relationship with 'committed performances.'

"You're judged as a manager on results," he said.

"We can harp on about missed chances but you're always judged on results.

"It's two defeats in 13, so are we moving in the right direction? The statistics show that on results.

"Do I know there's a hell of a lot of work to do at this football club still? Yes I do.

"That's why we'll keep plugging away and getting the relationship between fans and players better.

"And you do that through committed performances and obviously winning games."

Meanwhile, Clarke has praised his defence for its clean sheet record this season.

The Saddlers have racked up 13 clean sheets in 33 games in all competitions this season with a solid defence being a major positive this campaign.

And Clarke has been impressed with his back-line during the hectic festive schedule.

"You look at every team over the Christmas period and you have to rotate and look after players," he added.

"You have to be wary of injury risk.

"I'd love to be, every week, harping out the same team for that consistency.

"But it's impossible to do in this day and age with the speed of the game and the fitness of the players.

"So it's testament to the boys that when we're changing it around they're still keeping clean sheets."

Midfielder Rory Holden, who has recently earned a place back in the starting XI, also heaped praise on the defence and the fans for their support as the club look to make 2020 a successful year.

"The defence has been fantastic all season," he said.

"We wouldn't be where we are in the table.

"The camaraderie of the group has been fantastic.

"The home fans have been fantastic all season and they've stuck by us really.

"Hopefully we can build (on results) and keep it going.

"Keep it like a fortress at home in 2020.

"I think we've been playing well and there's times where we've been unlucky.

"But you make your own luck so hopefully we can kick on at home."