Jon Whitney: This Walsall group is the best I've ever worked with

The Saddlers chief has been part of the furniture at the Banks's Stadium for the past 14 years, having previously been employed as the club's physio and assistant manager.

Now in charge himself, Whitney had to mastermind a summer overhaul which saw 13 new players arrive during the transfer window.

But with each new arrival identified for both their ability and personality, Whitney is delighted with how the group is developing.

"They are the best group I have worked with," the 45-year-old said.

"They are a joy to be around because they enjoy their football and are all determined to bring success to this football club.

"They are a young group and there are going to be times when things don't go to plan but it's never through a lack of effort or desire with these players.

"Everything is going to take time because we have to teach them about the troubles life throws at you, in football and in their private and personal lives as well.

"It took a lot of time to develop the group we had last season but I think these guys are ahead of schedule.

"I'm very pleased with where we are at."

The Saddlers currently sit 14th in the League One table, three points outside the play-offs but with a game in hand on most of their rivals.

And while Whitney is targeting a top-six finish this season, his primary aim is to get the Saddlers promoted within his three-year contract.

"After what we achieved last season I understand there is a lot of expectancy," he continued.

"But I can handle that and I want my players to handle that and play their football.

"I signed for a three year contract because I believe the team I get in, if given time, will develop into a side that seriously pushes for promotion. It will be great if it happens sooner. It will be fantastic.

"But it does take time to nurture players and build a team."

Whitney says key to his philosophy is making sure all the players understand their importance to the squad – with the boss having used the Checkatrade Trophy to ensure everyone has had valuable playing time.

"It can be very difficult to keep the players that aren't playing happy," he added. "But you could see the lads who played in the Checkatrade Trophy win at Leicester all took their chance and staked a claim for the trip to MK Dons.

"That is how it has got to be. I have got to make sure they all feel they have got a worth.

"If you have got a worth in any form of life then your effort will increase. If your effort increases, we have got a better chance of putting in good performances and therefore getting results.

"It's a domino effect. But the most important thing is that we are all pulling in the same direction and everybody is on board with what we are trying to do.

"We are trying to bring young players through and help them become the next 30/40 game a season players I need over the next two to three years."