Express & Star

James Wilson tells Walsall fans: Stick with us

Defender James Wilson has urged Walsall’s fans to stick with their team as they bid to return to winning ways at MK Dons tonight.

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The Saddlers travel to Buckinghamshire to take on Robbie Neilson’s side having failed to win in their last five outings.

That run coincides with Jon Whitney’s men having tasted victory just six times in their last 24 games – prompting some fans to call for the manager’s head after Saturday’s draw with Blackpool.

But Wilson has asked for supporters to remain patient, with the centre-back saying the squad is well aware recent results have not been good enough.

“I think our performances so far warrant a higher position in the table,” the 28-year-old said.

“But the table doesn’t lie and it’s results that matter. We need to get better results and we need to be winning more games.

“We are unbeaten now in three matches. That is definitely a positive.

"And I think it’s important the crowd concentrate on staying behind us.

"I know some fans are frustrated at results. But we need their support.

“Against Blackpool we were the team pushing for the win.

“And before that game, the fans had been absolutely brilliant.

"Usually in the second half of games we come on strong and they really get behind us.

“That is the support we need.”

MK Dons enter tonight’s game following back-to-back defeats to Bradford and Portsmouth.

And Wilson is confident the Saddlers will come away with a positive result.

“It will be a tough game,” he continued. “They are a really good team, a strong team.

“Sometimes they play a formation similar to us so it’ll be an intersting battle on a big pitch.

“But if we play like we did against Blackpool we’ll get something, definitely.”

Meanwhile, Wilson admitted he’s been hugely impressed with defensive partner Kory Roberts.

“I think Kory has been brilliant since he has come in,” he added.

“He has been calm, aggressive. I can’t speak highly enough of him.”