Darrell Clarke ‘is bringing feel-good factor’ to Walsall

Despite the 42-year-old’s first campaign in charge being disrupted by the coronavirus outbreak, Davies insists that – after a mixed start – the team was finally coming together under Clarke before games were suspended.

“There was a general malaise around the squad and last year there were certain elements in the squad causing problems,” he said.

“We’ve got rid of those negative influences and it’s taken a bit of time.

“I’ve only spoken to Darrell once and I like where he’s coming from, he’s a honest, genuine bloke.

“I like that in a manager, I’m not 100 per cent sure about the way he hangs people out to dry at times, but that’s his style and the players know what to expect from him.

“It’s starting to gel and the signing of Wes McDonald was key. He’s somebody that gets bums on seats and he gets bums off seats, I’ve really enjoyed watching him play this season.

“There was never going to be a good time for this.

“Football does pale into insignificance when something like this happens.

“It is what it is and it’s just a case of getting your heads together and getting on with it. It did come at the wrong time because we were starting to look like a team. Some of the football at the start of the season wasn’t great and probably, up until Christmas, I wasn’t really enjoying the season.”