Walsall boss wants staying power

Walsall manager Dean Smith has insisted his new-look Saddlers cannot be judged until they have proved their staying power.

The Saddlers host Brentford tomorrow knowing a win will make them one of the early pacesetters in League One.

But Smith, who signed eight players in the summer, insisted it won't be until November that fans will see what his team are truly capable of.

He said: "When you've had a good 15 or 16 games you can start judging them as players and as a team. Then you'll have an idea of what you're going to get from them week in, week out.

"We've had some highs and lows from certain players but, come 15 or 16 games, we'll have a clearer idea. It's a third of the season usually.

"It's too early to judge but I haven't had too many contrasts in performances, which is good for me.

"There haven't been massive highs or lows and if we can keep that in our performances we'll finish higher this season."

Just one defeat from their opening five games has continued the feel-good factor at the Banks's Stadium.

But Smith insisted the Saddlers have achieved nothing yet and should have taken more points from their promising start.

He said: "A lot can change in football, a run of results and a few wins and, all of a sudden, you're in the top half and a few defeats you could slip down.

"Football is a confidence game and winning breeds confidence. If you win more than you lose you'll be up there.

"It's been a reasonable start, it could have been better but we are where we are and well look to build on it."