James O'Connor backs Walsall to improve

Defender James O'Connor believes Walsall can challenge for the League One play-offs next season – if they can throw off their reputation as draw kings.

The Saddlers had the highest number of draws in the division this season, sharing the spoils on no fewer than 17 occasions, the joint fourth highest total in the entire Football League.

And O'Connor believes the failure to convert one point into three on a regular basis is ultimately why they fell well short of their top six goal.

He said: "We drew so many games this year, so many were tight. You can look at it two ways, I prefer to see it as there were a lot of games we could have turned into wins.

"With an extra 10 points we would have been in the play-offs, which sounds crazy when you think six weeks ago we were threatened with relegation.

"I think there is a nucleus of a side which can do well. It is for the players who are here now, who have been part of it, to realise how exciting it could be."

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O'Connor is out of contract next month and currently in discussions over a new deal at the Banks's.

After an inconsistent start to his Walsall career having joined on a free transfer last summer, the 30-year-old finished the season strongly.

He was also nominated for the League One Player of the Month award for April.

While his immediate future is yet to be resolved, the former Derby County and Doncaster Rovers defender believes he made the right choice in choosing the Saddlers 12 months ago.

He said: "Last summer, there were a few different options and this was the right one. Football is not always about finances.

"I've had ups and I've had downs but I have enjoyed coming into work every day as well. I would never have let the season just peter out, that is not how I am as a player or a person."