Walsall boss Jon Whitney: We've made good progress

But Jon Whitney says he is full of pride at what he has achieved at Walsall over the past 12 months and has told fans he will deliver something special.

The Saddlers boss sees his team end the season at home to MK Dons on Sunday – with a victory ensuring they will finish the campaign in the top half of League One.

Whitney has come in for criticism from some sections of the fanbase over the past few weeks following a run that has seen his side win just once in their last nine outings.

But the boss has asked supporters to remain patient and judge him on next season.

"I am more than happy with the last year," Whitney said.

"It's only probably me that understands everything that has gone on over the past 15 months – and where I am now to where I was when I took over.

"I came in to help the club as an interim manager and everything I've done – at heart – has been for the best of the club.

"I am proud of that and I am proud of where we are.

"We were at base camp when I started but we have definitely moved up from that and we are ready to step to the next level.

"For me that is progress. When you think of some of the games, the Bolton game. Beating Sheffield United three times.

"You can see what we can achieve when everything clicks. But we can't buy, and I can't buy, the finished article.

"We have to be realistic and understand that. We have to develop players. Tuesday, against Port Vale, was part of that process.

"I have to develop this team and nurture these players. That takes patience, it takes time and they are two things you don't get in football or society at the moment.

"Everyone wants a quick-fix. They want things fast tracked and people like to operate in a blame culture. I understand that.

"But I am going to be different and this club is going to be different.

"I understand the ethos of what makes us Walsall. What we started six years ago – we have got stronger.

"This club will go places. It's a special group and I'm really proud of what I have done and really excited about the future."

Despite his efforts behind the scenes, Whitney knows it is on the field where he will be judged.

"I'm not stupid – I have been in the game a long time and know it's a results business," he continued.

"But I also see the hard work we have put in and also what we are up against.

"We have one of the lowest budgets in the league. If I could get another 5,000 on the gate then that would change.

"But that is where we are.

"I like pitting my wits against people, I love punching above my weight.

"I understand the fans, I really do – especially off the back off the success last year.

"We have talked about last year a lot but enough is enough now. From next year on we have to forget about the past.

"It's what I do now. I think I will be judged massively on the next 12 months.

"I listen to the fans and I take on everything they say, I really do.

"But I am not going to give up on the fans or anyone else because I think I can give them something really special at this club.

"I wish they could see some of the work that goes in.

"I am proud of the fans and hopefully they are proud of what we are trying to achieve."