Walsall v Morecambe: Brian Dutton still in the hot-seat as Saddlers face their final fixtures

Head coach Brian Dutton seemed destined to leave the club this week after calling for clarity over his future and hinting Saturday’s win over Scunthorpe could be his last in charge.

However, after the Express & Star revealed he was set to stay on as boss for the final two games of the season, he was today due to take the press conference ahead of tomorrow’s clash.

Although he will finish the season in charge, the 36-year-old is still uncertain on his future and remaining results may help his cause to stay with the club next season.

Dutton has consistently said he wants the job permanently and is now fighting for a new deal with Morecambe and home and Carlisle away the final tests of this campaign.

Alongside him, plenty of his players are fighting for their futures too.

The club may now be safe from relegation but the players still have contracts to fight for, whether with or without Walsall.

They need to impress to ensure they get a deal and continue their careers as professional footballers.

And if they replicate the same performance as the one they put in against Scunthorpe, then many of them may do just that.

Playing in a 4-3-3 formation the attack was much more fluid and confident with the midfielders supporting with a high press.

Emmanuel Osadebe thrived in the number eight role and proved an effective box-to-box midfielder – superbly taking his goal to open the scoring.

His form, and deep-lying midfield role, could be key to Walsall’s success against Morecambe and Josh Gordon – who also scored at the weekend – was full of praise for his team-mate.

Gordon said: “When he came in he was a bit in and out of the team but he’s worked hard, knuckled down and when he’s had his opportunity he’s shown what he’s capable of.

“When he’s linking up and helping everybody, he looks like a great player. He gets his goal again through good play.

“He’s doing well and I’m sure he’ll continue to do well here.”

Osadebe is a big character on and off the field and has become a key member of the dressing room.

He was heard encouraging Joe Willis on Saturday when the youngster replaced him for his league debut on Saturday and Gordon insists the 24-year-old is great to have around the building.

“He never shuts up!” Gordon joked.

“He’s a big character and a joker in the changing room.

“He’s a good lad to be around and with the young lads he’s not afraid to give them advice, even though he’s not as old as you’d think he is.

“He gives advice and tries to help the young ones which is good for the future.”

Saddlers could also be buoyed by the return of Rory Holden.

The influential attacking midfielder missed 15 weeks of the season with a sprained lateral collateral ligament in his knee, before returning and helping the side to back-to-back wins over Forest Green and Tranmere.

He has missed the last three games, however, after feeling ‘uncomfortable’ with his knock and having it assessed further.

It seemed like his season may be over but when asked after the Scunthorpe game if his campaign had now finished, Dutton said: “No. Rory Holden is very frustrated.

“He’s been in with the physio for a long time and we gave him an extended period of rest to make sure he came back 100 per cent fit. We thought we’d done that but he broke down again.

“He’s had an MRI and some more treatment and hopefully he might be available for the next fixture but we will have to assess it in the week.”

Meanwhile, Jack Nolan made the squad for the first time since since February 27 on Saturday and although he did not play, he will be keen for an opportunity to prove his worth before the end of the season.