Express & Star

Martin O'Connor: Walsall need to play with pride

Martin O’Connor says it’s time Walsall’s players put some pride back into the shirt as they get set for the first of five games that will determine their League One fate.

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The Saddlers travel to take on Accrington tomorrow for the first match since O’Connor stepped up to be caretaker boss following the sacking of Dean Keates.

A run of five successive defeats has seen Walsall drop to second bottom in the table.

And O’Connor has told the players it’s time they give something back to fans who have been left deflated by the campaign.

“We have to put a bit of pride back into the shirt and into the club.” the 51-year-old said.

“We have to show people that we are fighting, that we are not prepared to just accept the situation we are in.

“We have to show we are going to scrap and fight and do our best.

“I think everyone who knows me, knows what I am like. I want to win. And the fans, who have stuck by us, we have to give them something back.

“We have to go out and play. Not good football, proud football. We have to show some passion, some aggression, some energy and ability.

“And I think if you do that you will get your rewards. Hopefully, that will be the case at 5pm on Saturday.”

O’Connor travelled to Accrington on Tuesday to watch John Coleman’s side fall to 1-0 loss against Rochdale.

And thinks Stanley will be a wounded animal after that defeat.

“They are hard working and they will be a wounded animal after that loss,” he added.

“They are competitive, aggressive, calm – all the things you want from a team that are down there.

“If we aren’t at it, we won’t get anything from the game.

“I have been in the game a while now and you know what is required.

“And I’ve told the players in no uncertain terms what’s required between now and the end of the season.”