Walsall v Grimsby preview

The Saddlers have had a bright start to the new season, drawing 0-0 against Championship outfit Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup – before losing on penalties – and then drawing 2-2 with League One Bristol Rovers in the EFL Trophy and winning on penalties.

Now, their league season starts with a home clash against the Mariners and after two solid performances Clarke wants to continue in the same vein.

“I believe I have a decent squad, but the proof is going to be in the pudding through the course of the season,” he said.

“There’s going to be highs and lows, but for me I don’t think the work-rate will change – the application of it, they’ve shown me that.

“In the back-end of last season, and the last 20 games, we were a top seven League Two season.

“Bear in mind that’s only taken us 15 games to turn into that with a whole new squad and backroom team.

“It’s a long old season and it will be crammed into nine months.

“We want to start the real stuff on Saturday and start on the front foot.

“It’s been very strange starting with two cup games. We’re only in our fifth week of what is a normal six-week pre-season. I’m hoping that hasn’t taken too much out of the boys that will play Saturday, but we have some fit lads at this club and they’ll be ready to go.”

One man who will be looking to keep his place tomorrow is Zak Jules.

The 23-year-old defender has played 90 minutes at both left-back and centre-back in the club’s opening two games.

His performances have been some of his best in a Walsall shirt since signing last summer, culminating in a goal against Rovers on Tuesday, and he puts it down to an unwavering commitment during the coronavirus lockdown.

“I didn’t take my foot off the gas during lockdown,” he said. “I kept a full-time programme and didn’t slack off, which is easy to do when you don’t have concrete dates on when you’re going to come back. It was a case of keeping myself fit and staying ready for when we did get the dates. It’s hard to keep that motivation when you have no idea what’s going on, you’re in the unknown. I’m really glad that I stuck to it, it’s paying off at the minute.

“I have to keep the momentum going, keep putting on a performance out there and hopefully keep my place in the team. Hopefully we can get some good results and kick on this season as a group.”

Last season, Jules was in and out of the Saddlers side before failing to make the squad on several occasions towards the end of the campaign.

When asked what has changed since then, he said: “I couldn’t tell you. The manager makes decisions, he decides who plays and who doesn’t. Last season I was doing everything in my power to make myself available and make myself an option for him. It is what it is, it’s football. This season I didn’t let it get to me, I decided to knuckle down and work hard. Come back and make sure there were no excuses and that’s how it’s been.

“I’ve come back really fit, sharp, and I feel like I’ve put myself in the position where it’s difficult for anyone to turn their nose up at me.

“I have to keep going, keep improving and don’t take my foot off the gas. I can’t afford to do that because I know how quickly things change in football.”

As Jules has worked his way back into contention, Clarke hailed his dedication.

“He’s had an outstanding pre-season, a really good, strong pre-season,” Clarke said. “As have the majority of the boys to be honest with you. We have a decent balance within the squad. It’s early days yet, but we’re looking forward to the challenges ahead.”

Neither Stuart Sinclair or Danny Guthrie have featured yet, however Sinclair did travel with the squad on Tuesday and warmed up with them.

Clarke was hoping to have the pair available this week, but has not given any further updates on any potential injuries.