Walsall boss Jon Whitney in plea to fans: 'Roar us on against league leaders'
Boss Jon Whitney says he's not surprised by Scunthorpe's flying start to the season – and called on fans to roar his side on against the League One leaders tonight.
Graham Alexander's side head to the Banks's Stadium having lost just one of their opening nine league games.
Whitney's men are also in good form having extended their unbeaten run to three matches with a 1-1 draw at Peterborough. And the boss believes tonight's clash will prove an intriguing battle between two well organised sides.
"I'm not surprised at their start because they finished strong last year and were very unlucky to miss out on a play-of place," Whitney said. "They have carried that forward and added some good players in Josh Morris and Duane Holmes.
"Graham Alexander is a very methodical manager and his teams are well organised. They are a Ronseal team – they do exactly what it says on the tin.
"That's a compliment and in many ways they are similar to us, they want to play with a high tempo and they have a strong work ethic. They are a threat.
"But with the players we have got, we are a threat. It's going to be a fascinating battle."
Walsall's recent run has coincided with James O'Connor, Florent Cuvelier and Isaiah Osbourne all returning to fitness.
And Whitney admits their return has allowed him to name a more settled side.
"We are a team that is improving all the time," he continued.
"And it really helps when I can pick from the same personnel. You don't want to be making wholesale changes.
"I think we now look more solid at the back and a greater threat going forward."
The Saddlers have already secured a victory over the league leaders this season with the win over Bolton coming when Phil Parkinson's side were the pacesetters.
"The atmosphere against Bolton was similar to that we had last year," he added.
"That is massive for the players. If the crowd are like that tonight they can be the difference and push us on to victory."
