Darrell Clarke building Walsall bond with fans

Supporters will have the chance to grill the 41-year-old manager when he holds a question and answer session at the Banks’s Stadium tonight.

Then tomorrow, fans can watch the players train at an open training session also being held at the stadium.

Clarke feels there was a disconnect between the club and its supporters following the Saddlers relegation from League One.

But he has vowed both he and his players will work hard to give fans a team they can be proud of. “We want the players to bond with the fans,” Clarke said. “It’s important, we are a community club, we have got big clubs on our doorstep and it’s important we put ourselves out there and try to change the relationship.

“I don’t think the relationship between fans and players was good last year. Obviously, it was disappointing with the results and the way things went.

“But I think players reacted in the wrong manner towards the fans, I won’t have that.

“It’s important we get that relationship as a staff and as a group of players so the fans get behind what we are trying to do. I am sure they will.”

Clarke is looking forward to tonight with the boss holding his first meet the manager event since his appointment in May. “I think it’s good for fans to ask questions,” he said. “I have done it during good times, I have done it during bad times. They are the fans of the football club and we have to get them on-side.

“We appreciate the support they have given us in pre-season.

“And I’m sure they will get right behind a new group of lads and a new project that is starting afresh.”