Dean Smith: This is no Mission Impossible

Fearless Dean Smith has targeted survival and insisted the Saddlers' safety bid isn't 'mission impossible'.

Walsall go to Tranmere tomorrow bottom of League One with caretaker Smith in charge for the first time.

It completes a rise for head of youth Smith who captained the club after coming through the youth ranks at the Banks's Stadium in the 1980s.

The former defender has been tasked with steadying the ship after ex-boss Chris Hutchings was axed on Tuesday.

No.2 Martin O'Connor and chief scout David Hamilton were also given the boot as the Saddlers swept the decks after a disastrous season.

Rovers – 21st and eight points clear of the Saddlers – could leave Walsall a staggering 11 points from safety ahead of another key clash on Tuesday at Bristol Rovers.

But Smith believes Walsall can beat the drop after escaping a similar situation when Leyton Orient assistant in 2006-07.

"The first year we got promoted to this league at Leyton Orient we were at the bottom at Christmas but we survived so it's not impossible, I know it's not," he said, with Orient staying in League One by four points that year.

"There's no point coming here and talking to the players with a forked tongue – I believe we can get out of it, I've seen enough in certain games that we can do it.

"The first part of the job I had this week was to go and watch Bristol Rovers against Plymouth on Tuesday and I've seen enough of games to know we can win a lot. I think anyone can beat anyone in the league, that's how close it is.

"What we need to be is consistent and, hopefully, having a new voice can instil a bit of confidence in the players.

"They have got to believe themselves they can get out of it and prove themselves, individually and collectively, and I hope we can succeed.

"A big gap has opened up and we need to close it as soon as we can. Sometimes a new voice might ignite something in players, let's hope it can be a catalyst for the rest of the season."

And he admitted, now he is the boss, he is primed to make the tough calls and cannot dish out any favours.

"One thing I have said to them is that there's no familiarity with us," said Smith, who is being assisted by physio Jon Whitney. "I am in charge but all of them are my mates at the moment because I haven't picked the team yet.

"I don't need to say any harsh words yet as I haven't played a game. The players know, they are all professionals, we haven't been doing our jobs as football team – if we had we wouldn't be in the position we're in.

"They have all got mirrors at home, they will all look into them and hopefully that will end with us winning football games.

"I want the players to be successful, I want them to do well. If we get out of trouble then they will earn the plaudits for it. Confidence has been low but hopefully we can instil that confidence in them."

But Smith will be without the injured Richard Taundry while goalkeeper Jimmy Walker is rated "50-50" after a hamstring problem.