Richards: Walsall will thrive as underdogs
Saturday 24th July 2010, 12:58PM BST.
Matt Richards today claimed Walsall will thrive on their underdog tag next season.
The midfielder expects the Saddlers to upset the odds in League One – which starts with the visit of MK Dons in two weeks.
He said: “Teams will underestimate us, think ‘it’s only Walsall’. But we turned over some of the top teams like Leeds last season. We went there and beat them, but some teams will underestimate us. They think they are going to turn up and win.
“It takes a little bit of pressure off us. If we were one of the top teams then it could affect us but we can relax and improve this season.”
The Saddlers host relegated Plymouth and go to much-fancied Brighton in the first month before playing play-off hopefuls Colchester and Swindon in September.
But Richards says it is the games against the likes of Rochdale and Hartlepool where the squad need to up their game.
“It’s not really where we need to improve, we dominated against the top teams last season,” said the 24-year-old, ahead of the Saddlers’ final pre-season games against Villa on Tuesday and Port Vale on Saturday.
“It’s about killing off the so-called lesser teams and the sides at the bottom of the league.
“We had some disappointing results, losing and drawing when we should have won, against the struggling sides last season.”
“That’s where we can improve but in the case of the top teams we did exceptionally well.”
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I think the word “thrive” in this headline needs replacing with “go down” Preseason has been a shower so far.
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One big struggle this seasons 3 games no goals goals against 9..
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Just seen friendly result today, Walsall 0-2 Coventry…
Although we are playing bigger teams and it is understandable that we should lose on paper. We have conceded 9 goals in 3 games and scored 0.
Do the management yet realise that a striker is needed, or more importantly a creative midfielder?
I saw the Wolves game and Marshall played centre midfield, and I cannot once remember him passing the ball forward…
Worried Saddler
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A new striker needed? If the rumours are true the club are more likely to be shipping out a striker.
They really have the clubs best interests at heart don’t they???? NOT!
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If the price is right – I think we have to move Deeney on. I dont honestly think he is that good. With money available I am sure Hutch could bring in some one else to replace him and have money for another player.
Thats how it is at Walsall – always has been.
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