"Comes with the territory" - Mat Sadler responds to recent Walsall criticism
Mat Sadler says criticism "comes with the territory" but that he will remain "positive" amid the recent challenges at Walsall.
The Walsall boss has come under scrutiny in recent weeks after a run of just one win in seven games has seen the Saddlers plummet from the league summit to seventh.
"We're looking at the top end of the division and that comes with its challenges," Sadler said.
"It also comes with an expectation, but we have to carry that on our shoulders and also enjoy the fact that it's a privilege we're viewed in that way.
"It goes with the territory, everyone is after the same thing. All I do know is, being together and positive is the only route through it.
"I don't believe there is any other way through it. It's very easy to make the choice of erring on the side of criticism.
"Because that's the nicest and easiest thing to do. Sometimes the most challenging thing to do is to say, no, I'm going to be positive with this."
Walsall have failed to win any of their last four games in League Two - drawing three and losing once - as they downed 2-0 at Bristol Rovers on Tuesday.
But Sadler insists that his side are still firmly in the hunt for promotion despite recent form suggesting otherwise.
"Fortunately and I've said this before, we've got a really good group of young players, but also a fantastic group of experienced players," he added.
"They have been there, seen it and done it. Unbelievable staff who're exactly the same.
"In amongst all of those experiences, there is nothing new in that sense.
"We've all been through the highs and lows. One thing which is important to keep banging the drum of, we are in exactly the race we want to be in this part of the season."
