Walsall wary of Terriers backlash
Jimmy Mullen has warned his Walsall players to beware of Huddersfield as they pose more of a threat in their current managerless state.
Jimmy Mullen has warned his Walsall players to beware of Huddersfield as they pose more of a threat in their current managerless state.
The Saddlers travel to the Terriers, who have been without a boss since Stan Ternent departed last month, and are under the stewardship of caretaker boss Gerry Murphy.
A new boss is unlikely to be installed before the game, with Norwich assistant manager Lee Clark heavily linked to the role, but Mullen is wary the uncertainty surrounding Huddersfield could work against his side.
He said: "It seems, historically, when a manager loses his job or moves on to another club and a caretaker guy takes over there is a response from the players and 99 times out of a hundred it is a positive one.
"Last week David Byrne came to us on the back of a six game unbeaten run as a caretaker manager with Swindon and obviously the players get a lift.
"I am not expecting anything different from Huddersfield. They will be positive and I have known Gerry for quite a number of years and I know the players will respond to him."
Dwayne Mattis could return for the Saddlers against his hometown club while Stephen Roberts, Michael Ricketts and Jabo Ibehre are all in contention to start following their respective absences.
Clayton Ince is certainly out while Austrian import Albin Kajtezovic is set to appear on the bench after arriving on a short term deal last week.