Lee Grant: Walsall not taking unbeaten league start 'for granted'

Lee Grant insists Walsall won’t be taking “anything for granted” after starting his reign with a four-match unbeaten run in League Two.

Walsall have collected wins over Gillingham and Accrington Stanley, coupled with draws against Grimsby Town and Crewe Alexandra, to sit third in the embryonic league table.

Grant still feels this new-look team are a work-in progress, but is pleased to see them picking up points consistently in the process.

Walsall keeping feet firmly on the ground

“Absolutely and for the players as well because they’re still learning and we’re playing teams that have been together for a long time,” Grant said.

“When we played Grimsby, 90 per cent of their group had been together for two years or more.

“It’s nice to be able to compete with those and pick up one or two points along the way, but we take nothing for granted.

“Each game presents its own challenges. Wherever we are in our trajectory, we have to respect that and approach each game accordingly.”

Walsall came agonisingly close to registering their third win in four league games until Reece Hutchinson’s stoppage time volley saw them have to settle for a point at Crewe on Tuesday.

Learning lessons from late Crewe setback

Grant was disappointed by the way his side sat back in the closing stages, but admitted that he must also learn and act on the lessons learned from the previous game.

“We want to make sure that that learning stays internally, but rest assured, we’ve talked extensively about what we think we can do better,” he explained.

“I thought we played really well and I want to reiterate that. We also played another team who played really well and fought hard in the last half-hour to claw themselves back into it.

“But we know that even in that context or dynamic, we can be better and myself personally, there is an element of learning about the group and understanding when I can intervene and help.

“It’s my responsibility to do that and I’ve been really clear with the group about that as well. It’s very much an us thing.

“Us as a group learning, developing and growing, game-management, being the sort of team we want to be and for as long as we can be in games.

“That’s what our conversations have centred around.”

Pressley on a roll for Walsall

Walsall travel to Exeter City for their upcoming League Two clash on Saturday and will be buoyed by the red hot form of Aaron Pressley.

The Scotsman bagged a brace in midweek to extend his season tally to five across all competitions and is also striking up a fine partnership with summer signing Reece Smith.

On the attack, Grant added: “It’s really positive. The attacking boys are all chomping at the bit because they’re all enjoying the way the teams plays and how we’re functioning at the moment.

“So it’s great for that unit that they’re really excited and in my opinion playing well and contributing hugely.

“I’m pleased with Reece [Smith] and Press [Aaron Pressley] for those standout moments. There have been some other really big moments.

“We just want to make sure that we keep getting those and finding a way to execute them as well.”