Walsall want to ditch 'scrappers' tag

Richard Taundry today vowed Walsall will ditch their 'scrappers' tag because they cannot afford another season of struggle.

The midfielder insisted last term's battle against the drop has been forgotten and there will be no repeat of their last-gasp escape.

The Saddlers, who survived by a point on the final day last season, host Leyton Orient in the League One opener on Saturday.

And Taundry, who lined up for the club's official team picture today, is desperate to right the wrongs and promised fans they will see a different team this year.

He said: "It was a wake-up call. There was a mixture of the older lads and youngsters last year and now it's about the younger lads progressing in their careers.

"For the older lads, it could be their last chance. No-one wants to be in the same situation we were last year. We can't afford another season like it. It's important for the club and fans.

"The fans don't want to be coming along and seeing some of those performances again, so this year we will put it right.

"There is always excitement every year and this year isn't any different. There's more of an eagerness for the club to do well and do better than last year. Obviously we don't want another year like that.

"With the bunch of lads we've got there's no atmosphere around the training ground or the stadium, everyone is together."