Julian Gray loving freedom at Walsall

Walsall winger Julian Gray is ready to go back to the future after revealing he is revelling in his new-found freedom with the Saddlers.

A year after joining the club, the winger has been given a licence to thrill by Dean Smith after struggling under ex-boss Chris Hutchings.

And, ahead of tonight's trip to Notts County, the 30-year-old is rediscovering the form which took him to the Premier League.

It is a rebirth of a man who splits terrace opinion, a player of undoubted talent but with a languid style that has left some questioning his application.

But Gray, who completed a free switch in February 2010, has lifted the lid on the frustrating final months under Hutchings where he was forced to curb his flair.

Smith's appointment has given him a new lease of life and Gray who has two goals in his last three games, is loving it.

He said: "Before, I wasn't as involved in the game as I am at the moment - I was being asked to do other roles which took away from my attacking instincts.

"You've got to do that for the team sometimes but maybe people are seeing what my real strengths are now. The way we're playing at the moment suits my game and is more offensive minded. For me, that's what my strengths are.

"I'm getting a lot more of the ball, getting in the right areas and doing what I do best. I feel my performances are getting better, the team is playing well and the strikers are getting a lot more service.

"Long may it continue, that's all I say, and the fans can see the best of me."

Criticism has been too easy for the disaffected Walsall masses this term with the side rooted in the relegation zone since the end of September.

Gray, who has five goals this term, has had his share of detractors as the Saddlers sit second bottom in League One.

The wide man was aware of the flak but insisted the whole team must carry the can for a season which hangs in the balance - despite Saturday's 6-1 romp over Bristol Rovers.

He said: "It's a team game, it's not down to me. Collectively we weren't performing to the level we're capable of.

"There wasn't any consistency, I don't blame any one person as collectively we weren't doing it for whatever reason.

"People are entitled to their opinions, they can point the finger at someone and that's up to them but that's not what I do.

"We all know we weren't playing well. We didn't need anyone to tell us that outside of the training ground.

"We are still not happy about where we are."

Two goals in his last three games have represented a dramatic upturn in fortunes for the ex-Crystal Palace and Blues star.

A strike in the 2-1 defeat at Exeter last month was followed by his stunner against the Pirates, as the Saddlers won their first game under manager Smith.

Gray has credited Smith's back to basics approach for the team's performances - which should have yielded more than just five points from the last 18.

He said: "Sometimes you try so much to turn it around you lose sight of what you should be doing. Now we're doing what we do best, sticking to our strengths.

"We've got to go into every game positively, the belief is there we can create chances and give everyone a game."

Gray is expected to feature tonight in a line-up which includes Jimmy Walker, after the goalkeeper was forced to miss the Rovers rout for personal reasons. Manny Smith is also on course to return after a knee injury sidelined him at the weekend.

The Saddlers are gunning for revenge after a 3-0 defeat by County on New Year's Day - Hutchings' last home game in charge.

County are still only a point above the relegation zone - eight above the Saddlers - and Neil Bishop insisted they won't let their FA Cup heroics cloud their judgement after they held mega-bucks Manchester City to a 1-1 draw at Meadow Lane on Sunday.

The midfielder, who scored the opener in the fourth round tie, said: "We're proud of our achievement but that has to be put firmly to the back of our minds.

"We have got massive league games coming up. We only played Walsall a few weeks ago so we know all about them, their strengths and weaknesses.

"There is no resting on our laurels. We were straight back in on Monday to start preparing right for tonight because we have to totally focus on it."

"The gaffer makes us go out with the belief we can win every game. He always wants more from us. We never sit back and pat ourselves on the back.

"We are always trying to improve."