"I wouldn't have joined if I didn't believe" - Alex Pattison sets sights on promotion with Walsall
Alex Pattison says achieving another promotion was the catalyst behind his decision to join Walsall.
The 28-year-old, who made his league debut during the Saddlers' 3-1 win at Tranmere Rovers on Saturday, signed from Bradford City for an undisclosed fee earlier this month.
Pattison registered an assist for Daniel Kanu to make it 2-0 before half-time and made a strong first impression on his new fan base.
The midfielder helped propel Bradford to promotion into League One last season and has his sights set on replicating that success with Walsall.
Pattison has sights on another promotion with Walsall
"There is no better feeling in football than getting promoted or winning leagues," Pattison said.
"I've had the taste for it now and that's what I want to do again. I wouldn't have joined if I didn't think that was possible.
"The lads have been brilliant and we've just got to take belief [from beating Tranmere] and keep those performances up.
"It's not going to be plain-sailing but we'll give it our best shot. We're already on a good amount of points.
"Now, it's just about ticking those games off one by one, doing the best we can and seeing where we are come May."
Pattison made 66 appearances during two-and-a-half seasons at Valley Parade, scoring 12 goals and setting up eight more.
Ready to hit the ground running at Walsall
While his quality on the pitch has never been in doubt, his injury record has been the only question mark that has hung over Pattison at times.
He didn't play a single minute for Bradford during December but had been preparing for a January switch and worked hard in the shadows to keep himself fit for his next chapter.
"I probably knew I was going to be leaving Bradford in January. So it was just assessing my options, but as soon as I spoke to the gaffer, I knew I wanted come here," he added.
"There were a few other things in the pipeline but as soon as I got the call off the gaffer, this is where I wanted to be and I'm going to give my all while I'm here.
"I know I wasn't playing much [towards the end of my time at Bradford] but I keep myself fit. So I knew there was going to be no issues coming and getting straight into it.
"I've liked how the gaffer has built me into the squad in terms of 20 minutes at Norwich, 45 minutes against Northampton and then 75 today.
"I really enjoyed it, obviously I would've liked to have stayed on, but we were 3-0 up at the time. I want to play as much as possible and I'll make sure I keep myself in the best possible shape to be available."
Mat Sadler is "perfect for me" - Pattison
Although he has only been at Walsall for no fewer than two weeks, Pattison has immediately sensed a strong culture within the squad.
That, he feels, has been generated by the manager and his backroom staff, who he said has made his transition an enjoyable experience.
"That's one thing that has really stood out to me is the culture within the changing room and just how good of a person the manager is," he continued.
"His backroom staff are fantastic people as well and it's just an enjoyable place to work. I haven't been here long but I've loved my time so far.
"He just gives the players that confidence and belief. He never goes on a rant, he just remains calm and positive.
"That's perfect for me, it's perfect for the lads. It gives us the confidence to do our job and that was demonstrated by the way we executed the game plan to win."
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