Chris Hutchings vows to save Walsall

Upbeat Walsall manager Chris Hutchings has vowed to steer the Saddlers up the table and insisted the drop zone doesn't bother him.

The Saddlers could fall into League One's relegation places for the first time under Hutchings if they lose at fellow strugglers Hartlepool on Saturday.

They are 18th and out of the bottom four on goal difference having lost their last four league games.

But, just seven outings into the season, Hutchings insists that their position isn't a concern and the team can power away from early danger.

He said: "No, we're not worried, we're confident we can get up the table and be in with a shout because we've got good and experienced players who know the game.

"We've just got to tighten up a little bit and it will turn for us. If we play anything like we can then I don't see a reason why we can't win.

"It's still early days but you want to find a bit of consistency and we're not playing badly.

"If we were playing badly everyone is open to criticism and we're not naive enough think otherwise but assistant Martin O'Connor and I watch the DVD on a Saturday night, Sunday morning and then sometimes with the players on a Monday and there's not a lot wrong.

"It's a fine dividing line. We've got good players. We're close."

But Hutchings will again be without crocked winger Steve Jones who is out with a twisted ankle, while Darren Byfield plus Richard Taundry are also at least two weeks away from a return after knee problems.