The rise and rise of Dean Smith

Trainee, player, captain, head of youth, manager - the progression of Dean Smith has been long but one Walsall hope is right.

The Saddlers go to Exeter tomorrow bottom of League One and seven points from safety - the decision to appoint Smith could not have been bigger.

It is one the club has taken as they bid to save their season, something which has been forced upon them because of the complete failure of the previous management team.

And it is one they cannot afford to backfire. Smith has 22 games to rescue the Saddlers, 66 points available to those brave enough to take them.

He has the toughest task in football right now. With just four wins from their last 25 games, Walsall are joint-furthest of the clubs cut adrift in any of the top four divisions, along with Preston.

That is not Smith's fault - he has been handed control of the Titanic long after it hit the iceberg - so he shouldn't be put under undue pressure.

He has the time, and presumably the funds, to keep Walsall up but the proof will be on the pitch. Detractors will label him as the 'easy' and 'cheap' option and that's something Smith has to deal with.

Many had predicted it ahead of today's appointment, especially when the club admitted on Monday they had yet to speak to any of the other applicants.

But it is a choice which wouldn't have been easy for Smith. He has given up a job for life as the club's head of youth for one which has a life expectancy of just over a year.

It's a brave decision and one he should be applauded for. He is in the firing line now - but shouldn't be targeted if things go sour.

In the three games of his brief stewardship the club have gained only two points but lots of plaudits. He has impressed those who have seen him at close quarters, has spoken well and has the support of the players.

Before today's appointment, he was talking about how he was dealing with the pressures.

He said: "I certainly don't take it home with me, it helps having two kids and a dog. As soon as I get home it's down with the kids and take the dog for a walk.

"You have got to be able to switch off. There are times and places when you have to be right on the ball but it's important you do come away from it.

"My philosophy is win, lose or draw I'll go home and get the kids smiling and the dog wagging its tail.

"You don't need to tell the players because, having been a player myself, when you go home and lie back on your bed you think about the game."

There will be time to analyse the season in May - wherever the Saddlers finish. Now is not the time. Smith should be backed.

There are concerns a band of players who have underperformed this season will be too comfortable, too settled, under someone who has been coaching the first team for months.

But that comfort shouldn't be mistaken for a lack of respect. It is clear the players are receptive to Smith's methods and he should be given time to implement them, especially as he's already stated his intent.

He said: "I'm one who wants to push on, score another and get the win. The way I look at it is, you've got a point and you could gain two more. If they go down the other end and score then you've only lost one point.

"I keep talking about momentum and when you have it you must make the most of it."

But while Smith's appointment is a positive move, one to end the limbo, the absence of any comments from Jeff Bonser must be raised.

The chairman has cut himself off from any connection with the fans and has already stopped attending matches.

The lack of quotes from him about his new manager - the man he would have rubber-stamped - is disappointing.

There is little doubt he will have given Smith his private backing but, when there is no show of public support, the point must be raised.

It is understood the chairman took the decision to sack Hutchings and assistant Martin O'Connor hard. If the fans see that side of him his public image may change.

For the time being though, the chairman has made his choice.

By Nick Mashiter