Walsall will see success says boss Jon Whitney

The Saddlers entertain Bradford at the Banks's Stadium tomorrow on the back of a disappointing week that has seen them lose to both Fleetwood and Oldham.

Defeat to the Latics, in the Checkatrade Trophy, ensured Whitney's side has now exited all three cup competitions they entered this season.

And while the boss accepts performances must improve, he moved to remind fans he is only at the start of a three-year plan.

"The feeling among fans now is quite negative – which I understand," Whitney said. "We know our form needs to improve and we have to be more consistent. But myself and my staff see this as an opportunity. We've got 25 games to make it a really good season still and get the building blocks moving forward.

"I signed a three-year contract, success doesn't come overnight, it takes time and there will be ups and downs. There have been plenty of ups and downs when I think back over my time at the club. But if you had told me in the summer I'd be working with this group of players I would have been very happy.

"For me there's still lots of positives. The fire is still burning brightly and I'd love the fans to be the oxygen now to fan that flame.

"Stay positive, encourage the group and then when it starts to turn again we can all enjoy those good times together."

Stuart McCalls's side arrive in the West Midlands sitting fourth in the League One table.

But the Bantams have failed to score in three of their last four outings with Whitney confident his team can win the game.

"We have done well against the so-called top teams this season," he said. "When Bolton came here, they had a similar type of budget and a similar playing style but we beat them.

"It took resolute defending and individual skill and they are attributes we are going to need again.

"We need to make sure we are hard to beat. The game will be a challenge but I think we will cause them problems."