Express & Star

Jon Whitney: Belief is growing at Walsall

Boss Jon Whitney feels there is a belief starting to grow at Walsall as his side prepares to take on Bradford tomorrow.

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The Saddlers kicked off the campaign with defeats at Bury and Sheffield United but have responded impressively with a win over Oldham followed by a draw at Portsmouth.

Now they are preparing to welcome the promotion chasing Bantams to the Banks’s Stadium.

And Whitney is confident his team will secure a second successive home win.

“I have got a really strong belief in this team – you can see we have gained confidence and a bit of momentum,” he said.

“We know we are a good team and we have worked really hard on taking the momentum from the last two games into Bradford.

“We want to carry on that consistency. Bradford are a strong League One team. They are amongst the favourites for promotion.

“They will put up a stern test but we will be a stern test for them.

“We know we can cause them problems and were determined to make sure they leave with nothing.”

After a frustrating first half in the win over Oldham – which saw boos from the home crowd – the Banks’s Stadium really got behind their side following a rampant second half display.

And Whitney is hoping that atmosphere will continue tomorrow.

“We are in this game for enjoyment and I think we all enjoyed that performance in the second half against Oldham,” the boss added.

“I think the fans can really be a catalyst for us.

“Their energy and vocal support really lifted the lads in the second half.

“And it was the same at Portsmouth, I think the travelling fans were excellent. They deserve a lot of credit.

“Now we’ve got Bradford. They are on six points. They have finished in the play-offs in the last two years.

“But at home, with the fans behind is we know we can beat anyone.

“The fans are part our team and I think if we stick together and keep that energy we can go on and create some really good memories this year.