Jon Whitney: Walsall were beaten by the better side

Walsall boss Jon Whitney admitted his team lost to the better side as they crashed out of the League One play-offs to Barnsley.

The Saddlers entered the semi-final second leg at the Banks's Stadium looking to produce history and overturn the 3-0 loss inflicted by the Tykes on Saturday.

But goals from Adam Hammill, Ash Fletcher and Josh Brownhill saw the Yorkshire side run out 3-1 winners tonight and a commanding 6-1 on aggregate.

Barnsley's form would have seen them top the League One table if they season had started on January 1.

And Whitney was quick to admit the better team won the tie.

"We competed but if it was all down to effort, desire and passion then I think I could still be playing," Whitney said.

"I think sometimes that isn't enough. You need a little bit of luck but I think we have to face facts – Barnsley were the better side over the two-legs.

"We had our moments. We didn't buckle, we didn't just give up. The lads put a shift in but they have come up short over the two legs.

"But I feel sorry for the fans because they deserved something to cheer tonight.

Their support has been fantasric."

Whitney, who says he is still considering his own future, revealed the club could release their retained list as early as tomorrow as they begin preparations for next season.

"Now we have to try and go again," the head coach continued.

"We are a developing club. We have over achieved this year and it has been a great season for the lads.

"We are going to try and keep the squad together if we can but it might be a big ask.

"This was five years in the process this season. It doesn't just come and we have to be realistic about what we can achieve.

"But we will only be able to judge that when we know the players we are keeping and we know the players we are bringing in.

"It's all ifs and buts at the moment. But we have got a philosophy at this football which we aren't going to change."

Whitney said if he does remain in charge he wants to install more steel into the side.

"I hate losing and I have had a decent win record," he said.

"I want to install more steel into these players. It's great to be technical and tactical. But I need to make sure they are have a bit of guile.

"It's coming out of football. It's easy to work on the technical, tactical side but it's that steel that is coming out of football.

"Look at Liverpool. You'd never have thought they would have lost the Europea League final after the first half.

But within 17 seconds they had conceded and they lost their faith and they are on £200,000 a week. We have got to teach these kids how to deal with adversity."