Jon Whitney: There's still so much to play for at Walsall
Walsall boss Jon Whitney has dismissed suggestions his team have little to play for in their remaining seven games.
The Saddlers travel to Valley Parade tomorrow to take on a Bradford side riding high in the League One play-offs.
Walsall have seen their hopes of a top-six finish all-but ended over the past few weeks following a three-match winless run. But Whitney insists his team still have a lot to play for – including winning back some pride following their 4-0 drubbing at Valley Parade last season.
"That game was the low point of last season," the boss said. "But it's a totally different scenario now.
"For me, it's all about finishing strong. I want to build momentum going into next season because I have got a strong nucleus of players that will be here next year.
"All the games we've got now are mouthwatering ties. We talk about these end of season games like they don't matter but they matter to me.
"Nearly all the teams we're playing have something to play for, pride has to come into it.
"And I'm always one game away from a lot of criticism. I have to try to win every game."
Walsall have spent the week working to improve their set-piece defending with each of the last four goals they have conceded coming from corners or free-kicks.
"We know we have to react when we drop below the stands we set.
"We have made sure the players are aware of why it happened and we have looked at how we move forward."
