It’s a team effort for Walsall boss
Thursday 24th March 2011, 10:00AM GMT.
Walsall manager Dean Smith has insisted the Saddlers are not a one-man team – despite the buzz sparked by Argentine whizz-kid Emmanuel Ledesma.
The midfielder has been in the spotlight since his star turn in the 5-2 win over Hartlepool on Saturday, but Smith insisted the team’s survival hopes don’t just rest on the ace.
He said: “Not at all and the players recognise that. While he got the plaudits when he came on, let’s not forget the goal Will Grigg scored and how he set up Julian Gray after nicking the ball off Sam Collins.
“Emmanuel has got ability and we all know that – it’s how we use it and harness it. It’s hard for him, he’s in a different country and living in a hotel but he’s enjoying himself and fans can respond to it because they can see him playing with a smile on his face.
“When he crosses the white line there’s no way he’s going to lose it because he loves football so much.”
The fourth bottom Saddlers go to Milton Keynes Dons tomorrow a point from League One safety, after Dagenham & Redbridge’s 1-1 draw at Leyton Orient on Tuesday.
The Daggers have three games in hand on Walsall and, with eight matches to go, Smith doesn’t want his men to have any regrets come May.
He said: “We know what we need to do – win as many as possible. All I ask of the lads is they give me everything.
“I’m not one of those people who was watching the television to find out the results on Tuesday. They are what they are and you have to deal with it.
“Whether Dagenham had won, lost or drawn we couldn’t have affected it. I only control the controllables and that’s our performance and the results.”
UK Sport
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