Brian Dutton: Walsall have let fans down in Bradford defeat
Walsall manager Brian Dutton says his team have let the fans down with their performance in the 2-1 loss to Bradford City.
Despite keeping the ball well at times the Saddlers failed to threaten the opposing team and only had one shot on target - Dan Scarr’s headed goal in the 77th minute.
With three losses from his opening four games as boss Dutton was unhappy with the display of his side.
“I’m massively frustrated, this is the first performance that I felt we’ve been let down,” Dutton said.
“We’ve let the fans down and the club down.
“I just said to the lads that (performing for) 20 minutes out of a 90-minute game is fraudulent.
“They’re paid players, not part-time. Not amateurs, they’re professional footballers and we have to accept responsibility and get out there and perform for at least the majority of the game, not 20 minutes towards the end.
“Ultimately the responsibility is mine, I’m in charge of the players and in charge of motivating them, so I take full responsibility.
“Rest assured, I’m by no means content with that performance.”
After Scarr’s goal Walsall did begin to threaten and were appealing for a penalty when Josh Gordon was seemingly hacked down in the box, but referee Scott Oldham waved away the appeals.
“It was a stone-waller,” Dutton added.
“I’ve seen it back on video. Josh Gordon has acutely got across his man, the fella has tried to clear the ball and smashed into the back of Josh Gordon’s leg.
“For that not to be given as a penalty is almost criminal. I’m flabbergasted.
“He’s stood six or seven yards away from it, has the perfect view of it, there’s no excuses not to give the penalty.
“He’s told me that he thought Josh Gordon wasn’t playing the ball so that’s why he didn’t give it. I’m really flabbergasted. Lost for words how he couldn’t give that one to be honest.”
Max Melbourne was originally in the starting XI but had to be withdrawn before kick-off.
He was seen watching the game with his left foot strapped up and Dutton revealed he is struggling with an injury.
He said: “He had a knock in the previous game and we tried to get him out there and get him to play.
“Credit to him, he’s a very brave lad and wanted to play. He said he was fine but his body language during the warmup was very concerning.
“For the welfare of Max and the good of the club we had to pull him out. It was to our disadvantage, because he’s a fantastic player, but it was the right thing to do.”
