Boss’ challenge for Walsall defenders
Wednesday 26th May 2010, 10:25AM BST.
Boss Chris Hutchings has challenged defensive duo Manny Smith and Clayton McDonald to go the extra mile and become Walsall legends.
The Saddlers are sweating on eight players who are yet to commit their futures and the pair will form the cornerstone of the squad next season.
They are the only centre backs contracted to the club for 2010-11 and as the wait continues on captain Mark Hughes to sign, Hutchings believes the duo must find their inner desire to succeed.
He said: “They know they have so much more to do and so much more to learn. That’s got to come from within sometimes, it’s not always about us.
“We want to see them spending half an hour after training doing something extra, it depends how high you want to get in the game. They are coming along nicely.
“There have been times where we’ve been caught short and looked woeful. It’s a learning process for them and they need to learn quickly.
“If they make too many mistakes someone else will step in.”
McDonald, 21, and Smith formed an impressive partnership while captain Hughes was sidelined with suspension.
Smith, 22, finished third in the Player of the Year votes in his first full senior season, while McDonald’s January switch from Manchester City has been a success.
But Hutchings is philosophical and knows he won’t get consistent performances from his young guns because of their inexperience.
He said: “We’re trying to give them experience but by giving experience you sometimes have a shortfall.
“Sometimes it always doesn’t gel together like that. They are getting experience and doing well.
“Whoever came in did quite well. I showed faith in them by keeping them in.
“They’re the only ones who can give me the shirts back, if someone else comes in and does well they keep the shirt.
“It gives them confidence and belief to think ‘yeah, I’ve got a chance to stay in the team’.”
UK Sport
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