Brian Dutton: Walsall need to learn from low ebb
Brian Dutton has urged Walsall to 'learn from their mistakes' after the club earned their lowest league finish in 100 years.
Before this season the Saddlers' lowest ever finish was 16th in the fourth division in 1991 but now, regardless of results on the final day, Walsall will beat that record as they can no longer finish higher than 17th.
For Dutton, he believes they can now turn that into a positive and learn from the past year.
"It's disappointing, very disappointing," Dutton said.
"Sometimes these things need to happen for everybody to stand up, take notice and reset everything. Learn from this and understand why we're in this position.
"Obviously rectify it and make positive actions to get Walsall back to where it wants to be.
"It's no good sweeping things under the carpet and hoping we can rectify things, it's about understanding and learning from the mistakes and make positive actions.
"We must treat this 100-year disappointment as a real positive reflection period."
Fans have been bitterly disappointed with the season, which currently sees their club 19th in League Two.
Supporters are due to return to the Banks's Stadium next season and although Dutton may not be with the club, when asked for his message to the fans, he said: "My message to the fans is, you've got a great football club here.
"They're a great bunch of fans who are very passionate about the football club.
"They've been deprived of coming to support their football club. Get yourselves back here and create a positive environment.
"I know they will, they want what is best for Walsall.
"Every reset and fresh start brings hope and if the decisions that are made are positive, Walsall will be back where it belongs in no time.
"There's good people at the football club who want to do their best for the club. With wise and intelligent decisions, they are the foundations for success."