Walsall vs Exeter preview: Darrell Clarke has eyes on Grecians’ blueprint

The Grecians are currently fourth in the division, with only one point separating them from second-placed Crewe, and four points between them and table topping Swindon.

Matt Taylor’s charges travel to the Black Country tomorrow to face a Walsall side who haven’t lost in four games and Clarke is eager to build on their current form and promising signs to create a promotion-chasing team in the future – having already set himself targets for next season.

“That’s what we’re trying to build the football club towards,” he said. “We look a better team on the eye when we’re playing the football we should be playing.

“That needs to be on a consistent basis.

“It’s one of those leagues where you need to grind out points and find different ways of winning.

“Certainly at home we want to be on the front foot and playing more of the sort of football that we did in the second-half against Northampton.

“It’s a competitive league, I think we’ve competed against most teams in the division.

“The lads have let themselves down on performances on two or three occasions but it’s always been about improving the group and improving the squad.

“We want to finish the last 11 games on the sort of form that’s been over the course of the last 18 games.”

Midfielder Danny Guthrie has had several spells on the sidelines this season with injury, but since returning from a calf strain in January, the 32-year-old has had a prolonged run in the team – and Clarke believes that is essential to the success of his squad.

“With Danny you see the quality he possesses, he’s the one that can get us playing football,” he added. “No disrespect to the other lads – (Liam) Kinsella is neat and tidy but he’s a dog, (Stuart) Sinclair’s a dog, (Nathan) Sheron’s a dog.

“When we get Danny on we play better football and he gets the rest of the team playing, but with that you lose a bit of legs in midfield.”

Meanwhile, striker Josh Gordon believes the team is looking ‘promising’ for next season after stabilising in mid-table following a poor start to the season.

“When we first started we were towards the bottom and it was a bit worrying, but we’re showing what we’re capable of,” he said. “It’s promising for next season, the way we’re going now.”

The 25-year-old netted in the 2-2 draw with Port Vale in Walsall’s last match two weeks ago and has since heaped praise on the fans for playing their part this season.

“The fans have been fantastic all season, home and away,” he added. “It’s nice to score against Vale because they were giving me a bit of jip at the start.

“Our fans have been great, it’s like a 12th man.

“They’re getting behind us when we’re doing well and that’s what we want.”