Potential means nothing to Hutchings
Walsall boss Chris Hutchings has called on his players to justify their growing reputations by insisting potential means nothing.
The Saddlers travel to Hartlepool tomorrow aiming to extend their five-game unbeaten run and pile on the agony for the home side – who haven't won at Victoria Park in five months.
Darren Byfield and Troy Deeney's blossoming partnership up front has pleased the boss, while defender Manny Smith's performances at the back before injury were outstanding.
But boss Hutchings insists they must realise their ability to achieve their goals.
He said: "Potential is a big word. You can spend £1million on potential but it doesn't guarantee success. They are showing it at the moment but, like any team, you have to be consistent.
"It's up to them. Whether they take things on board and improve is down to the individual and them wanting to do it."
Hutchings knows the youthfulness of his squad will inevitably lead to a drop in form, but wants them to learn from every experience.
He said: "How long will it last? How long's a piece of string? We've got to keep working at it, they've got to keep believing.
"We've got to remember teams do have chances and we will make mistakes but they are young enough to learn, improve and go on from there."
Smith could return after a knee injury forced him to miss the Saddlers' 1-1 draw with Swindon last weekend.
Hutchings is also confident Deeney will shake off an ankle knock, while goalkeeper Clayton Ince and defender Clayton McDonald have trained after their respective knee and thigh problems.
But Richard Taundry and Peter Till are out with hamstring injuries, with Stephen Roberts sidelined with his back complaint.
Hutchings said: "We've still got one or two injured, but we're leaving it as late as possible before we know whether they'll be involved. We'll give them as much time as possible, that's all we can do.
"They're in the hands of our physio Jon Whitney and working hard in the gym."
But, despite their injuries, Hutchings believes they can still improve after eight games which has left them 12th in League One.
He said: "You're never entirely happy, because you always want to do better but there will be teams below us who will be saying the same thing.
"You've got to keep any run going and we're unbeaten in five, so we've got to make sure we get something out of the game. That's what we've been doing at the moment."
Hartlepool have struggled this season and sit 18th, but Hutchings is under no illusions at the task his side face.
He said: "It's going to be a tough game. They've had few good results on the road, they had a good win at Gillingham a few weeks ago. We have to be at our best to get three points.
"Chris Turner's sides have always been hard to beat. They'll be well organised and have a work ethic which we've got to match.
"Hopefully the little bit of quality we have will allow us to take the chances when they come along."
