Dan Scarr: Walsall players owe the new boss after buying into his style

The Saddlers have lost three of their four games since Dutton took charge, following the 2-1 defeat at home to Bradford on Saturday.

Dutton has implemented a new possession-based style and while they have improved with the ball at their feet, Walsall have struggled to create and convert chances.

Scarr is adamant that every player believes in the new way of playing and more accountability is needed from the squad.

He said: “We all believe in what he’s doing, everyone has bought into it.

“Everyone is enjoying the way we’re playing we just need to get that win and kick on from there. Get a bit of confidence.

“We need to stick together and rally up. Work a little bit harder and smarter around the box.

“We all need to take more accountability and be at it from the start.

“I like the style, the way he’s shown us what he’s trying to do, it works.

“When we break it down and look at it, it does work, but we need to be ruthless and get those goals.

“We’re playing the right football but we need to find ways to win and keep the back door shut.”

When asked if the players owe Dutton following a bad run of results, Scarr added: “Yeah, definitely.

“He hasn’t had a lot of time with Saturday-Tuesday games but he’s drilled a lot into us in this short amount of time.

“We look at the stats and it’s working. We need to get that win for him, take accountability and dig deep.

“He’s putting his neck on the line for us, taking the slack and backing us, and we need to give him that bit extra.”

The schedule is unrelenting, however, and Walsall now travel to an Exeter side sitting eighth in the league.

The Saddlers have a good recent record against the Grecians, winning one and drawing two of their last three fixtures, and Scarr says they will not be scared heading into the clash.

“The games are coming thick and fast and we have another chance to make it right on Tuesday,” he said.

“We played Exeter last time and didn’t fear anything then, we penned them back in and had the better chances.

“We go there with full confidence. We haven’t got to fear anyone, just go there and take it to them.

“We have got confidence in what we’re doing, it’s just about turning the draws and losses into wins.”

Regarding tonight’s opponents, Dutton added: “They do a really good job down at Exeter.

“They develop youngsters and the coach is two or three years into his project there. They were beaten in the play-offs last season so they’re on the right track. They’re well experienced and it’ll be a very tough test. We’ll dust ourselves down and meet that challenge head on.”

Supporters have understandably been upset with the string of results that now sees Walsall slump to 17th in the division.

Pressure is mounting on Dutton to get his first win as manager and although chairman Leigh Pomlett is urging for patience Dutton is well aware of the need for a victory.

“The pressure is on me, there’s no hiding away from it,” he added.

“I’ve come in and we haven’t got that win yet, so the pressure is on me. I won’t shy away from the pressure.

“I won’t be found wanting because of pressure, I’ll meet it head on. I’ll need the players to follow me with that, they can’t turn into shrinking violets.

“I was really pleased with the development we made since I became head coach, in terms of changing the style of play and identity, but (the Bradford game) was definitely a step backwards.”

Callum Cockerill-Mollett could keep his place after Max Melbourne withdrew with injury in the warm-up on Saturday. Aside from Rory Holden and James Clarke, the Saddlers are not expected to have any more injury worries.