Why Walsall look better equipped to go the distance under Lee Grant

Lee Grant has masterminded another excellent start and Walsall look like they could once again be poised for another promotion battle.

But there is a different feel to things on this occasion. There is depth across the pitch - as illustrated by the four changes made for the win against Oldham Athletic on Tuesday. The work ethic and fitness levels of the squad has also been off-the-charts, which is why it’s so important that Grant continues to rotate when possible.

Only Barnet (10) and Salford City (seven) have scored more goals (six) from the 75th-minute and beyond in League Two and that ability to go deep into games will continue to be an asset for Walsall.

‘The fitness in this team is outstanding’ - Pressley

“That’s just the mentality of the team and it definitely comes from the manager,” top scorer Aaron Pressley outlined.

“The energy that we need to win games is so important. The way that we started the game tonight [in the win over Oldham] - we didn’t give them a second.

“We’ve got the physicality and athleticism in the team to allow us to do that.

“You can tell by the amount of goals that have been scored late on. The fitness in the team is outstanding and the training definitely benefits that.

“The detail that we go into, and especially the fitness, is so key in this league. You could see that tonight again.”

A marathon, not a sprint, for Walsall

Walsall made a conscious decision to operate with a leaner squad this season. That was outlined by head of football Stewart Mairs in the summer and is perhaps the reason why Ronan Maher and Rico Browne have been allowed to leave on loan.

Grant seems transparent with his players and does not shy away from those tough conversations. That is exactly what he did with Tai Sodje recently and four goals in his last three games across all competitions have been the result of that.

James Furlong made his first league start against Oldham at the expense of Mason Hancock, who had previously started every league game. Lewis Simper also replaced Reece Smith, another key man who has been one of the first names on the team sheet.

Both impressed, which once again chimes with the notion that players are rising to the challenge when called upon. Another positive is that Hancock, Sprangler and Smith will be fresh for the visit of league leaders Salford City, after only emerging from the bench on Tuesday.

Grant outlines group mentality

“We’re 11 games in. So a lot of the decisions that I’m taking are for the group,” head coach Grant explained.

“We want to win every game, so I never make a decision that I think is going to impact us or our ability to win a game, but I also have to be mindful of the whole group.

“So you weigh up and balance all of those things and I think we got the balance right tonight [in the win over Oldham].”

The season is a marathon, not a sprint, and that is something that Grant is always weighing up with his selection. But he is not handing out opportunities for the sake of it.

He has not got every decision right, and has admitted that that will sometimes be the case, but players have to earn their place.

There can be a brutal nature to his approach. Harrison Burke struggled in the 6-1 defeat to Stevenage in the EFL Trophy in September and has not kicked a ball in the league during the past six games since.

‘Be ready’ - Competitive edge is sharp at Walsall

The challenge now for Burke, as has been the case for the likes of Furlong and Sodje, will be to fight his way back in the team and that healthy competitive edge can only be a good thing.

Grant added: “We’re now able to go: James [Furlong] and Mason [Hancock] - that’s a really tough call. Sven [Sprangler], Charlie [Crew] and Isaac [Moore] - take your pick, it’s really tough.

“Reece Smith was probably our best player against Swindon, but doesn’t start the game against Oldham. Then Lewis Simper and Courtney Clarke were really good.

“Andy Dallas had probably the biggest moment in the game at Tranmere. It was a huge moment for the whole group, but then doesn’t start the next one, and Tai [Sodje] and Aaron Pressley do.

“I can wax lyrical about all of those things and I’m enjoying that. We have to keep that going and the mentality of the group has to stay strong on that.

“When they’re disappointed and flat for not starting, know full well that you can be in the stand, out of the stand or on the pitch. Just be ready - that’s the message from me.”