Managers should admit errors, says Walsall boss Dean Smith
Dean Smith today admitted managers must be prepared to admit their mistakes – and not use referees as scapegoats.
The Saddlers have been on the wrong end of some questionable decisions in recent weeks in games against Coventry, MK Dons and Sheffield United.
Last weekend Smith was aggrieved when Port Vale's Tom Pope appeared to handle in the build-up to Vale's opening goal in a 2-0 win at the Banks's.
But he is keen not to be a manager who complains unduly about decisions and says it is important he also holds his hand up when getting it wrong.
"I certainly try after the game not to come out and talk about referees in particular," he said. "If I look at the replay and I've got it wrong I'll go in to see the referee and hold my hand up as well.
"I think that's what you have to do. They are the same as us, they have emotions like us – they are not another being.
"They try and make fair decisions and sometimes they get it wrong.
"We can't control their decisions.
"What we have to do is make sure we control our reactions."
Meanwhile, winger Kieron Morris has gone out on loan for a month to Conference North outfit Leamington.
