Taundry backs Hutchings' vision

Walsall midfielder Richard Taundry has backed boss Chris Hutchings' vision for the club and insisted recent results prove the boss is the right man for the job.

The Saddlers are on course to net its highest finish for six years after just one defeat in the last six League One games.

Prior to that, fans had hit out at Hutchings as they felt the team was underperforming but Taundry reckons the criticism was unfair and believes supporters must buy into the manager's long term plan.

He said: "It surprised me a little bit, I'm not sure where that was coming from. He's put quite a lot into my game personally and I'm sure a lot of the younger lads will say the same.

"As soon as he arrived at the club he told us he was here for the long term and aspiring to take the club higher.

"He has been great for us and long may it continue."

The Saddlers moved to within two points of 10th spot with Saturday's 3-1 win over Hartlepool and, should they finish higher than 12th, it will be their highest placing since relegation from the Championship in 2004.

Taundry believes their efforts cannot be underestimated in league which includes heavyweights Norwich, Leeds and Charlton.

He said: "I'm sure there's a lot who appreciate it and there's going to be quite a lot who don't and just want to see the best all the time.

"But it will be massive for us to go above Milton Keynes Dons as they are a big team, it would be a massive bonus for us. I think it will show what effort we've put into the last few games.

"Earlier in the season there were some good performances but we weren't quite getting the results. Then we weren't putting in the performances we knew we were capable of.

"The last few games have been a big plus."

With two games left – starting with Saturday's trip to Carlisle – Taundry has one eye on next season and reckons the Saddlers will improve next term.

He added: "We want to be pushing for those play-off spot. Every club in the country knows they've got to sharpen up on a few things and that's one thing the manager will be looking into."