Dobson pushing for new Walsall role

Walsall manager Richard Money believes that Michael Dobson has given him ‘food for thought’ in the centre-back role.

Dobson has found himself out of the side following his return from injury, but Money has challenged both him and Manny Smith to prove that the Saddlers can compensate for the loss of Scott Dann from within the squad, after the pair’s fine performance in the reserves this week.

“Our two reserve central defenders were fantastic on Tuesday and they’ve given us real food for thought,” Money said.

“Both Manny Smith and Michael Dobson were excellent and it remains to be seen whether we can sign anyone better than those two.

“Dobson slipped back into a defensive role with ease and I thought the two of them were great – they know how we play and they know how we defend.”

Dobson skippered the Saddlers to League Two glory last season, but has found things tougher this campaign, although Money is appreciative of his contribution.

“People have underestimated the job that Dobson has done for us over the last 18 months,” Money said.

“His role has been as a defensive midfield, to be in the right place at the right time and 99 times out of 100 he is.”

Dobson started his career as a stopper, but he has admitted he prefers a central midfield role these days.

“I’m comfortable playing there,” he said.

“But I’ve moved into other positions now. I grew up as a centre half but, because of my height, I ended up getting moved elsewhere.”