Darrell Clarke hails Walsall's travellers
Walsall manager Darrell Clarke has hailed the club's supporters for their large following in the away win at Salford City.
Almost 1,300 Saddlers fans made the club's first ever trip to the Manchester club as goals from Caolan Lavery and Josh Gordon secured the 2-1 victory.
And Clarke was delighted with his 'superb' defence as well as the loud travelling fans.
“We’ve defended absolutely superbly for the majority of the season," he said.
“Although October was a disaster wasn’t it, I keep talking about that.
“There were so many individual mistakes in October.
“We just keep chipping away.
“It was an unbelievable support today, they got behind the lads.
“Yet again, fantastic.
“You have to keep winning games to keep fans happy, we know that.
“We’ve certainly started the year off well."
Goalkeeper Liam Roberts pulled off a sensational save at the death to deny a Joey Jones header and the Walsall academy product echoed his manager's comments about the supporters.
“It’s (2020) started very well," he said.
“I’d just like to stay to the fans, fantastic support.
“They came in their numbers and backed us the whole way, so definitely the 12th man today.
“We appreciate the support and it’s a good result from us.
Meanwhile, winger Wes McDonald assisted Lavery for the opening goal before playing a large hand in the Gordon strike.
The 22-year-old is still yet to sign a new contract at the club, with his current deal expected to expire at the end of the week.
And although Clarke is keen to keep his fan-favourite forward, he insists the club as a whole takes precedent.
“We know what Wes brings to the table, he’s done very well in recent weeks," he added.
“I think he’s enjoying his football here.
“So hopefully we can get the deal done, it’s as simple as that.
“But it’s not about one individual, I never build a team around individuals.
“We build it collectively as a group.
“A siege mentality group and that’s what I continue to do.
“I’ve lost many, many top players before that have been sold onto Championship clubs.
“Eventually it does catch up on you and you want to keep your squad together.
“But we just keep working away, chipping away and that’s what we’ve got to do."
