Shocked Saddlers back in thick of it

Walsall's players were today gearing up to take on arch rivals Shrewsbury Town – in their first game since the shock departure of boss Dean Smith.

A 4-0 win at Greenhous Meadow tonight would see the Saddlers return to the top of League One following their 2-1 victory over Bradford on Saturday.

But the match is set to be overshadowed by the departure of Smith, who left the club to join Brentford yesterday after almost five years in charge.

That has seen coaches John Ward, Jon Whitney and Neil Cutler take over the managerial reigns for tonight's game.

But Cutler insists the side head to Shropshire determined and full of confidence they can win the game.

"The whole squad was obviously shocked by Dean's departure," Cutler said.

"But we have got some really good senior players in the squad who with dealt this before.

"Most importantly though, all the players know they have a fantastic chance of winning promotion this season and they are determined not to jeopardize that.

"They are all great professionals but we are at the stage now where they all know their jobs and what is expected of them.

"It's up to the three of us to keep them on the right track.

"But the group is so committed, so dedicated and they have that drive to succeed.

"Shrewsbury is a massive game and I've got no doubt in my mind the players are ready to go there and win."

Cutler revealed he along with Whitney and Ward will have an equal say in tonight's proceedings and confirmed the trio have been placed in temporary charge until further notice.

"We got the players together yesterday and the way they trained was a different class," the former Villa goalkeeper said.

"All the players and all the coaches are motivated to be part of a successful Walsall side.

"We are fourth in the table and are in touching distance of the automatic promotion spots.

"What greater incentive is there than that to go to Shrewsbury and win the game?"

Cutler admitted their is a bit of excitement from the management team to take over the reigns for tonight's game.

"All three of us work work really well together and we all bring different things to the table," he added.

"We are excited for the game and have worked hard to ensure we can maintain the hard work of both Dean Smith and Richard O'Kelly.

"Continuity is very important."