Express & Star

Jon Whitney determined to seize big Walsall chance

Jon Whitney admits he is determined to seize his chance in management after being appointed Walsall's interim boss.

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The 45-year-old has been placed in charge of first-team affairs following the sacking of Sean O'Driscoll. Whitney, who was previously the club's assistant manager, will be in charge tomorrow when Walsall resume their League One promotion push at Chesterfield.

But while the Express & Star understands Whitney has been given assurances he will remain in the role until the end of the season, the man himself is remaining more cautious. "It's a fantastic opportunity I have been given and I think I'm so lucky," he said.

"But I have earned my luck over the years and I am ready for it. I have been ready for a couple of years and I enjoy taking he lead role.

"I'm in charge for tomorrow and if I can get something out of that game I will do it for Fleetwood.

"If I continue to put a smile on people's faces I may do it for longer and maybe even be in charge for the first game of next season.

"A lot can happen in 24 hours, even more can happen in a week and a damn lot can happen in three months.

"I am just going to stick to what I do best and take each day as it comes."

Whitney has also called for Walsall's fans to really get behind the team between now and the end of the season, believing they could make all the difference in the race for the Championship.

"I want the fans smiling again and I want them to really get behind us," he added. "Even when there is a sticky patch in a game – really get behind us.

"When things are going well, it's easy to sing and dance. It's when things aren't going so well that becomes harder. I can assure everyone the players are going to give their all.

"But they will make mistakes. Can the fans be the ones that entertain us?

"Can you be that spark that we need? It doesn't always have to come from the players. It's a collective effort. Let's do it together and see where this journey takes us."

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