Jon Whitney offers no let up to Walsall players
Walsall boss Jon Whitney insists there will be no break for his players as they prepare for a tough spell on the training ground.
The Saddlers are not in action this weekend after opting to call off their League One clash at Blackburn having received four international call-ups.
Whitney and his team have come under strong criticism from supporters over the past few weeks – with that pressure intensifying following the FA Cup loss at Newport County.
And with things needing to improve, Whitney revealed his players will be working extra hard during the international break.
“We are going to work bloody hard,” the boss declared. “We won’t have any time off. We are going to get out on the training pitch and work on things we need to put right.
“We will make it enjoyable. But we’re going to nail it. We are going to work on the shape, we are going to reflect and we are going try and be really proactive heading into the two homes games against Gillingham and Fleetwood. These two games are a really good opportunity for us to start climbing into the top half of the table.”
Whitney said he is particularly pleased to be heading into next week’s games with an almost fully-fit squad.
“It’s nice to go into those games with no injuries - that is another real positive,” he continued.
“We have got Flo (Cuvelier) training now.
“Callum Cockerill-Mollett is doing his running protocols.
“We should be going into the Gillingham game with a fully fit squad and they all have a chance to impress.
“We have now got an extended spell on the training ground which is going to be very useful.
“The players need to work hard and fight to get into the team.
“Some of the players grabbed a shirt with their performance at Shrewsbury on Tuesday.
“That is what I asked of them before the game. And now it’s up to others to impress in training if they want to start.”
Meanwhile, Walsall have confirmed the game against Blackburn at Ewood Park has been re-arranged for Tuesday, January 30.
All tickets purchased for the original date are valid for the rearranged fixture.
Elsewhere, Erhun Oztumer has missed out on being crowned League One Player of the Month for October.
The attacking midfielder was nominated for the award alongside Charlton’s Ben Amos, Blackburn’s Bradley Dack and Plymouth’s Graham Carey – with Carey going on to claim the honour.
