Dean Smith: Fans are key to Saddlers

Boss Dean Smith today insisted the Walsall faithful will help define the Saddlers' destiny as the club's trailblazing early bird season tickets go on sale.

Supporters are rallying round the Saddlers, who host Southampton tonight, knowing a point could be enough to escape the League One relegation zone for the first time in four months.

Under-18s can see 'free' football next season if they buy a ticket before the April 2 deadline for £46 as they will get £2 cash back for every home game they attend. It is the first offer of its kind in the Football League and Smith reckons the fans will prove crucial.

"They can make a difference," he said. "It's brilliant, the response we've had has been fantastic. The ticket scheme is fantastic and the fans have responded."

"They have been behind me since my first game. The first home game against Huddersfield and onwards they have been brilliant and have seen a response from the players. With everyone behind us we can do something."

Smith has always maintained the Saddlers' fate will be settled at the Banks's Stadium and insisted he has been blown away by the support.

He said: "The two games we've lost at home have been disappointing and I'm sure the fans have left scratching their heads on how we did lose. What they can see is the lads are giving committed performances so that's the pleasing aspect for the supporters.

"Against Dagenham the crowd wasn't massive but there was a different atmosphere to they were behind us and signing away. It has been really pleasing."