Richards enjoys pressure being off

Matt Richards insists Walsall are an advert for pressure-free football as they hunt their highest finish since relegation from the Championship.

The Saddlers are targeting an end-of-season flourish having lost just once in their last five games - the incredible last minute 4-3 defeat at Huddersfield last week - ahead of tomorrow's visit of Hartlepool.

They have their eye on 10th spot - currently occupied by Brentford - but have never finished higher than 12th since demotion from the second tier in 2004.

Chris Hutchings' men are currently 12th, five tantalising points away from their target, and Richards says recent results prove the Saddlers are ready for a big finale.

"We're playing with freedom, the pressure is off, people are enjoying their football and it's showing," he said, with trips to Carlisle and the final-day visit of MK Dons also to come. "We've got to look to beat Hartlepool, being at home.

"Going to Carlisle isn't an easy place to go but the way the team has been performing I can't see a reason why we can't get a result there.

"MK Dons are going through a rough patch and hopefully we can take advantage of that, get nine points and finish on a high.

"We want to finish as high as we can and enjoy the last few games, we're more relaxed and it shows at the moment. It's a nice place to be around but it's a shame we couldn't put a run together beforehand."

And Richards has targeted a strong individual finish after his brief time on the sidelines — before which he was an ever-present in the side.

The 24-year-old returned to the starting line-up at Swindon last Saturday after being sidelined for a month due to an ankle injury and the form of others.

He has featured at left-back, left wing and central midfield but the versatile left-footer says he'll happily play Mr Fix-it.

He said: "As long as I play I don't mind where I am. If I'm in the team it doesn't matter what position. It's wherever I can get the ball.

"You're involved so much in midfield, everything goes through you and I'm just enjoying getting on the ball and touching it as much as I can.

"Playing in the centre was nice because you're involved in everything and hopefully I can play until the end of the season."