Jon Whitney: Walsall have to go again

Walsall boss Jon Whitney admitted his team lost to the better side as they crashed out of the League One play-offs to Barnsley – but declared "we have to go again."

The Saddlers entered the semi-final second leg at the Banks's Stadium three down.

Strikes from Adam Hammill, Ash Fletcher and Josh Brownhill saw the Yorkshire side 3-1 winners last night, 6-1 on aggregate, despite a fine Jordan Cook goal.

Barnsley's form would have seen them top the League One table had the season started on January 1 and Whitney was quick to admit the better team won the tie.

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

"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 fantastic."

Whitney is still considering his own future and revealed the club could release their retained list as early as today as they begin preparations for next season.

He said: "Now we have to try and go again. 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 added, if he does remain in charge, he wants to install more steel to the side.

He continued: "I hate losing and I have had a decent win record. I want to install more steel into these players.

"It's great to be technical and tactical. But I need to make sure they all have a bit of guile. We have got to teach these kids how to deal with adversity."