Saddlers boss Dean Smith doesn't fear for his job at Walsall

Walsall manager Dean Smith today dismissed any job fears and insisted he controls his own destiny.

The Saddlers boss is confident he can handle the pressure despite just two wins in the last 21 games.

Rochdale – locked on 18 points with the Saddlers – sacked manager Steve Eyre yesterday, while rock-bottom Chesterfield gave boss John Sheridan a vote of confidence last week.

Just one league win since August has left Walsall's season on the brink but Smith insisted he isn't worried about his position.

He said: "Not at all, I know what my job is. My job is to get the players out there and performing to the best of their ability.

"That doesn't change. Am I in charge of my own future? Yes I think I am. I pick a team every week to try to go out and win.

"It's not where we want to be. I was hoping to continue the momentum but we've faded away.

"What we have to remember is where we are, who we are and what we stand for.

"I'm fully behind the players because, even on a poor Tuesday night with 10 men against Dagenham, we were the best team for 50 minutes."

Smith conceded pressure and uncertainty are the nature of the job but believes managers don't get enough time.

He said: "It's the way football goes. If you look at the clubs who are the most successful it's the managers who have had the longevity.

"Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and David Moyes at Everton – they have done really well. John Still at Dagenham too."

Saturday's 1-1 draw at Chesterfield kept Walsall in the drop zone – a point behind fifth-bottom Scunthorpe – and Smith admitted the league has gone to form.

He said: "The top teams are winning their games and they are strong. We're competing in a league with Sheffield Wednesday who get 18,000, Sheffield United who get 18,000 and Huddersfield.

"They have the financial clout to go and get the players who perform. They are deservedly at the top of the league but the ones at the bottom have to scrap.

"I think everyone is realistic because that's the way football is going. The bigger spenders are near the top of the league."