Richard Taundry hails Walsall fans

Richard Taundry today hailed the Walsall fans for their role in the Saddlers' 'Great Escape.'

The midfielder clambered into the stands at Southampton to celebrate with supporters after last weekend's survival act on the final day of the season.

And with another season in League One in the bag Taundry admitted the faithful were key in the team's battle against the drop.

He said: "I would like to say a big 'thank you' to the fans who really helped to pull us through because we needed them. Andy Butler and I made sure that we got in among them at the end of the game on Saturday to show our appreciation.

"The crowd at Southampton were great and it was a fantastic following.

"I'm still trying to take in what we have achieved. Everyone said before Christmas that we were dead and buried, but the gaffer came in and turned things around."

Right-back Darryl Westlake echoed Taundry in praising the fans.

"I've been pleased with how things have gone both for me personally and the team," he said. "To go from where we were in January to avoiding relegation really was the Great Escape.

"The gaffer has given us so much belief and to stay up really is a great achievement for him, the staff and all of the players. The supporters also played their part and gave us excellent backing during the second half of the season."