O'Connor defends Walsall fans

Walsall assistant boss Martin O'Connor has admitted the fans have "every right" to voice their opinions but has urged them to back the team on the pitch.

Supporters are furious after chief executive Roy Whalley declared yesterday that the club will ban anyone who protested against chairman Jeff Bonser.

There was a brief demonstration against Bonser in Monday's 2-1 win over Wycombe and more are expected for tomorrow's visit of Tranmere.

But O'Connor insists fans are allowed their say, especially when it comes to matters on the pitch.

He said: "I don't mind it, for me it's part and parcel of football. If people pay the money they have the right to say what they want to say.

"You can't stop people shouting their opinion because that's why they come to football, to watch their team winning.

"If they are not happy with what they are watching they have every right to say it. It's how they do it obviously.

"You want to play perfect football like Arsenal and win every game but we're not going to do it.

"If you get people heckling and shouting you have to deal with it, because it's part and parcel of football."

O'Connor believes if the fans put all their energy in to supporting the team then the Saddlers, who are without the suspended Troy Deeney, will revel in their backing.

The No 2 said: "If they show the same enthusiasm in a positive, proactive way then they might get better results.

"But the players, the staff have to give the fans a bit more back because if we do that the fans will give us a bit more."

Left-back Jamie Vincent insists any bad atmosphere will not distract the players, as they go all out to win against Rovers and then finish their League One campaign with a bang.

He said: "If people want to protest for whatever reason they do. As players you hear it all the time, but you just play and do the best you can.

"Most of the time the fans get behind us and I'm focused on the game."