Jon Macken urges Saddlers to ignore Banks's 'bitterness'

Jon Macken today urged Walsall to ignore the Banks's "bitterness" and silence their doubters.

The Saddlers have come under fire from unhappy supporters this term and Macken believes it has contributed to their slump.

Just two wins in 21 games in all competitions – and only four wins at the Banks's Stadium – have left promotion hopes in tatters.

They host second-placed Sheffield Wednesday on Boxing Day and Macken admitted supporters' taunts are now affecting the team – especially their young guns.

The five-goal joint top scorer said: "We have to keep focused, keep positive and ignore all the bitterness and reaction towards us.

"No-one wants to make a mistake because of the groans and disappointment.

"You can feel the atmosphere around the place – people are expecting us not to do anything.

"You can hear that disappointment and then players start hiding. It's counter- productive and it's negative.

"They go into their shells and don't perform to the best of their ability because of that fear factor.

"I have noticed it, maybe not in the dressing room but out on the park – mainly at home.

"I'm not blaming the crowd for that because they react to the performances.

"We've got a young team and they are learning but reactions are counter-acting what their desire is supposed to bring."

Macken insisted supporters have a right to be unhappy after another season of struggle, with the Saddlers 21st in League One.

But the 34-year-old said the team are hurting and still deserve backing.

He said: "People have opinions and voice them. Everyone hears and feels them but we have to ignore it and move on"