Walsall’s explosive start to the League One season proves that patience pays, according to boss Jimmy Mullen.

The fifth placed Saddlers entertain Peterborough could go second if results go for them. Mullen believes that would prove his transfer strategy right.

He said: “In the early part of the summer when I was given the opportunity to manage, there were one or two situations when people were wondering when we were going to make a move.

“I was doing my homework and I was patient. When the opportunity came to get the players, who were good enough, I made my move.

“Stephen Hughes is a classic example. I knew about him early in the summer and his position at Coventry. To be in this position with this group of players does not surprise me.

“I know what they are capable of.”

The manager also believes the Saddlers could have won every game because of their form in the campaign.

He said: “You might think I am crazy but we could have won at Yeovil and could have won at Crewe. We could have won every league game.

“It is nice to be where we are. We know if everyone performs and stays free from injury and suspension with the group we have got we can do well.”

Such has been their form Mullen added he would not swap positions with Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson, who has had money to spend thanks to millionaire chairman Darragh MacAnthony.

He said: “I came in to this job with my eyes wide open. You can look at Leicester, Leeds and Peterborough and you can look at 70 per cent of the league who have bigger budgets.”

Yet he does concede the Saddlers still have a long way to go if they are to continue to challenge at the top end of the table.

He added: “Nine games is not much and it is the old cliche of being a marathon not a sprint. There is a nice blend of experience and youth in the group.”