Jon Whitney backing his Saddlers to shine

The Saddlers – who were just one point away from winning a place in the Championship last season – have endured a difficult start to the new campaign with just one win in seven League One matches.

Whitney was forced into a major rebuilding job over the summer as a host of top stars opted to leave the Banks's Stadium.

But he feels the new side will eventually exceed the one that took him and former boss Dean Smith five years to build.

"I think back to four-and-a-half years ago, when myself and Dean started building the team that did so well last year," he said. "We had nothing on this team and I have told them that.

"This is a team that is ahead of that. But it's important the players know that and we start believing. We know there is a lot of expectation.

"And against Bristol Rovers I think you could sense a little bit of tension because of the criticism we have come under – both me and the players. It was important to get a point in that game because that will now push us into Bolton over the weekend."

One player who has hit the heights of last season is goalkeeper Neil Etheridge who is now widely regarded as one of the best shot-stoppers in the division.

"Neil has been excellent for us," Whitney continued.

"When you are under pressure, it's nice to see the big man dominating his penalty box and taking crosses.

"I think against Bristol Rovers he was exceptional. I thought he was excellent."

Meanwhile, Whitney revealed he was forced to take off record signing Andreas Makris against Rovers due to a virus – but the boss does expect the forward to be available for Saturday's visit of Bolton.

"I thought Andreas was a threat," Whitney added. "But he was struggling to breathe. He said his throat had swollen up. He was fatigued but hopefully he will be right for Saturday."