Express & Star

Jon Whitney wants to keep Walsall level-headed

Jon Whitney is refusing to ‘sensationalise’ as Walsall look to push closer to safety.

Published
Last updated

Tuesday’s 4-2 victory over Doncaster Rovers put them within 10 points of the 50-point mark that should see them safe.

However, Whitney says he is only focused on the next game, rather than aiming for a specific points target.

He said: “You guys can talk about (the 50-point mark). I am just going to talk about getting ready for Gillingham (on Saturday).

“It is extremes. We sensationalise and catastrophise. I have to be constant. That is what we are about. There is a base line at the club.

“We are a young team but we are getting stronger, physically and mentally.”

Joe Edwards netted twice in the win over Doncaster, playing from the left of midfield, and Whitney was delighted with the impact he made from that position.

“He is huge for us,” said Whitney. “He can play.

“Obviously he is Mr Versatility but he enjoys it off that left side, especially when you have such a forward-thinking full-back as Luke (Leahy).

“It is the same on the other side. We know Kieron can come inside and leave space for Nicky Devlin.

“They played three at the back, but I thought we adapted to it really well.

“I thought we pressed, sat in when we needed and did so with a real high intensity.

“We wanted to get them on the ropes early on, get in the first punch. We did that.”

Edwards has proved already he can operate in central midfield or at full-back, but he has been thrilled with how he has adapted to left midfield – even for someone as versatile as he has been.

“It’s brilliant playing there,” he said. “I am getting goalscoring opportunities. I’m getting into the box and getting into the right areas.

“It’s great. I have been moved about all through my career, especially here.

“It’s nice to be playing every week which is the most important thing for me. And it’s nice to effect games and play in different positions.

“I have always said I’d like to nail down one position. But it doesn’t happen and I’m happy to keep moving about.

“Left midfield suits me because I can cut in on my right. It’s working really well at the moment.”

The change in position has also helped Edwards become a regular goalscorer, including his Doncaster double.

“It was a brilliant feeling to get two goals,” he said. “I’ve got four in four games – it’s unheard of. It’s never happened in my career.

“I’ve told Erhun (Oztumer) I’m catching him and he has got to be careful.

“It is fantastic. I am playing with confidence and loving my football.

“The most important thing is we are winning and picking up points – I’d much rather that.

“But to be getting the goals on top is fantastic for me.”

And Edwards also hailed his team-mates for their showing against Rovers.

“I thought the lads were excellent throughout, but especially in the first half,” he said. “We kept a really a solid shape. They tried to change their shape to impact us. But we pressed them so high. Our energy was fantastic all over the pitch. We controlled it.”