Walsall boss Brian Dutton: Max Melbourne tweet relates to concussion injury

Walsall supporters were incensed on Saturday evening when Melbourne tweeted – and swiftly deleted – a yawning emoji in the aftermath of the club’s 1-1 draw away to bottom club Grimbsy Town.

But Dutton says the post was related to Melbourne’s struggles with dizziness and fatigue from a previous injury.

Dutton said: “Max Melbourne has been a superstar since he came to the football club.

“When guys come in on-loan there’s always a niggling doubt in your mind on how much they’ll give for the loan club.

“Melbourne has been a credit to his family and himself since he came to Walsall, he has given nothing short of 110 per cent. He wants to help the team, his mentality and will to win is really telling.

“When the yawning emoji came up I was notified by Sads (Mat Sadler) and I asked Sads to give him a call to see what that was about.

“Max Melbourne told me that he’s had an issue with concussion from an injury at Lincoln and it’s causing dizziness and headaches during matches.

“He is just tired and sick of that feeling and it affecting his performance. I believe Max when he tells me that, 100 per cent.

“He was due to have consultations with doctors regarding the concussion but they’ve been cancelled and there’s been problems with it.

“He’s sick and tired of this issue that he can’t seem to shake off.

“Is it naive for him to do that tweet? Of course it is, but these are young lads who make mistakes and are probably not well advised at times.

“That’s something that we draw a line under and move on. Everyone learns from the situation. Max has been nothing but first class in attitude and application since he came to the football club.”

The 22-year-old has been withdrawn at half-time in the last two matches and Dutton insists his performances have suffered due to his injury issues.

“Max’s form has been first class, he’s been absolutely outstanding since he came to the football club,” Dutton added.

“But in the last couple of weeks he’s dropped away from that form that he once set. That is down to this concussion problem that he’s had.

“He’s struggling with it and it’s something that we need to rectify really quickly.

“It’s not fair for Max to keep going out on the pitch with a strong mentality but not being able to perform to the level that he’s at.

“His form has dipped but he set a pretty high standard before that.”

Meanwhile, Saddlers fans have noticed Nolan liking several tweets questioning Dutton and why the 19-year-old has not been involved.

The young winger has removed most of those likes but Dutton has now revealed the club are investigating the matter.

Dutton added: “That’s something that will be an internal investigation, which is currently ongoing, so I can’t comment on it.

“What I will say is that there’s a clear pathway under myself as a manager at Walsall to get the best local talent we can find.

“We want that Black Country voice echoing around the Banks’s Stadium, that’s important to me.

“We’re also finding the best young talent in and around the country or overseas, there’s a clear pathway for youngsters. On that pathway youngsters need to show me they are 110 per cent committed and dedicated to Walsall and will give every ounce they can to become a professional footballer.

“Not only do you need talent, but you need the grit and work-ethic to become and stay as a professional footballer.

“I need to see that and they need to be showing me day in, day out. They also need to do it while no-one is watching.

“Tom Leak, Sam Perry and Alfie Bates have done it, got their opportunity and taken it.

“The conveyor belt will keep churning out these young players so long as I see players who are 110 per cent committed to Walsall.

“If they fall short of that then no problem, they can do as they please, but my focus is on the guys who are committed.”