Darrell Clarke hoping for a more settled Walsall summer

The Saddlers brought in 16 players and let 23 go ahead of this season, as Clarke re-shaped his squad for his first campaign in charge.

After a mixed start to life in League Two, the performances vastly improved in the weeks before the fixtures were postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak, and Clarke believes only ‘tweaks’ are needed when the transfer window opens.

“You have to adapt as a manager,” he said. “When I first came to the club a lot of things were said.

“I’ve obviously had quite a bit of success as a manager but I had a year at (Bristol) Rovers as assistant manager, so I was able to assess the squad for that year – so I could make the changes I needed to.

“Then we got continuity and worked hard on the training pitch.

“Each window you try and tweak but it’s always difficult isn’t it, because when players are performing they’re always going to interest other clubs.

“We have to keep working, but we’re pleased.

“We’re pleased the fans are getting behind us and we thank them for the support again - we just know there’s a hell of a lot of work to be done.

“There’s an understanding of playing together for a number of games and the squad is getting to know each other.

“We’re trying to get this football club back to where it was before.”