Jon Whitney understands Walsall fans' striker frustration

The Saddlers kicked off their League One campaign in disappointing fashion on Saturday when they fell to a 1-0 loss at Bury.

By not scoring at Gigg Lane, Walsall only heightened many fans' fears that the squad is lacking fire power.

And the manager, who is working hard to bring in a few front man, said he understands why they are concerned.

"I want to see some new strikers through the door as well," Whitney said.

"It hurts me as much as it hurts the fans when we have a defeat.

"We, myself and my staff, are trying harder than anybody to bring somebody in.

"I have spoken to many people but we just have to be a little bit patient.

"It’s not through lack of effort, we just have to make sure the right people come in.

"We’ve spoken to three or four players but at the end of the day I can’t make them come.

"I have to try to encourage them to come to Walsall and come for the right reasons.

"And I will still be working hard this week to try to bring someone in. I will try my best but I’m not a magician."

As well as working to sign a striker ahead of the August 31 deadline, Whitney is also working to help Saddlers favourite Matty Fryatt get back to full fitness in the hope a deal can be agreed down the line.

And the boss said the 31-year-old has had a positive first week back at the club.

“Matty’s working hard – he worked really hard with us on Friday," Whitney added.

"He's still in the gym, still working on his strength and we are still just making sure we look after him and get him right.

"He can’t be rushed because that’s been the issue over the last couple of years.

"He needs to be looked after and hopefully we can get the rewards of that in the future."