Saddlers boss Dean Keates: Let’s make Walsall proud of us
Boss Dean Keates says giving Walsall fans a team to be proud of remains his only aim for 2019.
The Saddlers kick-off the New Year today when they travel to take on Charlton at The Valley.
Keates enjoyed a whirlwind 2018 which saw him start the year in charge of National League outfit Wrexham before he was then approached to manage his hometown team. And he admits he is still incredibly proud to be in the charge of the club where he won three promotions as a player.
“2018 was a bit of a whirlwind for me and a bit strange,” the boss said. “I was a rookie manager at Wrexham and I had to settle a club that was on its knees. I was given a football club to rebuild and then I got the opportunity to come home.
“It was a massive decision for me to come away from something I was helping to build at Wrexham. But to be trusted with my hometown club was a massive honour for me.
“The short-term aim – of staying in League One – was achieved. Now the aim is to build something that will give the people of the town something to really be proud of.”
Walsall take on Charlton this afternoon with Keates insisting his team’s main aim for 2019 is to be more consistent.
The Saddlers’ form has fluctuated massively over the past few weeks.
While Walsall have been put in impressive displays against Sunderland, Peterborough and Luton, they were way off the pace against Bradford and Bristol
Rovers.
“We have to build on the performance against Luton,” Keates said. “It will be another tough game at Charlton against a side in the top six.
“It’s been a yo-yo the last few weeks and we need to find the middle – we need to find a consistent level of performance.”
Meanwhile, the Saddlers are set to make their first signing of the January transfer window later this morning.
The arrival will be a direct replacement for winger Josh Ginnelly, who will complete his move to Preston North End.