Jon Whitney: Walsall players must learn to be stronger

Walsall boss Jon Whitney believes his players must learn how to be stronger in the face of adversity if they are to go one better and clinch promotion next season.

The 45-year-old, who was named interim head coach in March, is expected to be confirmed as the Saddlers permanent manager next week.

Walsall clinched an impressive 84 points as they finished third in League One last season.

But they only managed to grab four wins after falling behind in games with Gillingham, Shrewsbury, Chesterfield and Colchester the only teams to be defeated when the Saddlers conceded first.

And Whitney believes that shows his players have to be stronger mentally.

"We did not come back from going behind enough times last season and that tells me we need to keep nurturing that mindset in the next few years at this club," Whitney said.

"It's the most difficult component to deal with and the most difficult one to develop.

"Tactical, technical and physical are very easily measured, we get a lot of data on that.

"But the mental side is very, very difficult. The way society is these days, it's a big, big problem and that's dripping into football.We've got to get these kids used to facing adversity, coping with it and not fearing it, grabbing it and running with it."

Meanwhile, Preston looks an unlikely destination for striker Tom Bradshaw after reports in Lancashire suggested the Lilywhites won't be able to meet the Saddlers asking price.

Officials from North End made contact with the Walsall hierarchy regarding the availability of the striker earlier this week.

But with Bradshaw only having 12 months remaining on his contract, it is believed Preston are not willing to meet Walsall's valuation.

Another Saddlers player attracting interest is youngster Rico Henry who was watched by a host of Premier League teams last season.

Now it is rumoured Leicester are interested in the defender should their promising left-back Ben Chilwell leave the club this summer.

Walsall have also announced they will play a behind-closed-doors friendly with Norwich at St Georges Park on July 9.