Boss wants Walsall to enjoy occasion

Walsall boss Dean Smith has moved to deflect the heat off the Saddlers ahead of Survival Saturday and told them to 'enjoy the ride.'

The manager takes his team to Southampton in a final day showdown knowing their League One future is in their hands.

Fifth-bottom Dagenham & Redbridge, a point behind Walsall, go to fourth-placed Peterborough needing to beat the Saddlers' result.

Notts County, a point above Walsall, are also in the relegation shoot-out and host champions Brighton.

Saturday's 2-0 win over Charlton put the Saddlers in pole position to survive after flirting with the drop all season.

After a stunning revival - Walsall were eight points from the safety line when Smith took over from Chris Hutchings in January - the Saddlers boss has urged his men to revel in the occasion.

He said: "This is what it's all about. If you can't get yourself up for games like this then you shouldn't be involved.

"It's a game to enjoy, I spoke to them before the Charlton match about how hard they have worked to get into this position but now it's about enjoyment.

"They should enjoy playing football on occasions like this because it's the last game of the season and there's something on it.

"Something is on the game and at times like this you go and enjoy the job you're doing.

"We plan and prepare for every game but what they have got to do is perform when they get out there.

"They performed on Saturday and have done for most of the season under me."

The Saddlers were written off at New Year and had just 17 points in January, but Smith has won seven of his 24 games to close in on safety.

And the manager has reiterated any of his players can write their names into the Saddlers' history books.

He said: "Games like this are there for people to become a hero. The team has worked extremely hard to get into this position but you've got to go and enjoy occasions like this."