Walsall vs Harrogate Town preview: Mat Sadler "not hiding" from recent criticism

The Saddlers avoided dropping out of the automatic promotion places altogether after Doncaster Rovers were held to a 1-1 draw at Salford City on Tuesday night. 

The 2-0 defeat against Barrow at Holker Street on Saturday received significant backlash from supporters after a run of just two wins in 17 games in League Two. 

Had Sadler not amassed credit in the bank with results earlier in the campaign then it would be hard to see any manager surviving such a poor spell of form. 

When asked about the criticism, Sadler said: "I'm a big one for not hiding from anything. I'll face it front on and I think that's the same with the group. 

"We talk and speak a lot together about different things and different emotions. They also speak collectively and individually because like anything that is the way round and the way through. 

"That's what we do, we just face it head on and we don't hide from anything. That's how I'll always approach it, that's how I approach life in general and that's what we do as a group. 

"[We need to take responsibility] of everything. That's always the case and as I say there is no one hiding away from anything here and nor would you think that. 

"We've put together a wonderful group of people who've had some amazing times together and we've brought pride and passion to the club. We have to remember that and that's an important thing to remember. 

"But what's also important is that we're going to continue working hard because we're all desperate to do what we want to do." 

Walsall collected 58 points from the first 25 games to storm into a 12-point lead at the league summit but have seen that advantage completely obliterated following a return of just 14 in the last 42 available. 

The margin for error has become even smaller with just goal difference separating Walsall in third and Doncaster in fourth spot. 

Sadler acknowledged that criticism comes with the territory of being involved in professional football and has called on his team to seize the initiative ahead of 'four cup finals'.

"We work in an unbelievable industry. I love it, it's a privilege to work in it and with those privileges comes questions that you probably don't want to answer," he continued.

"So we always face things head on, always face things with an honesty and a desire to improve. 

"We have to work hard to make those moments happen because nobody hands it on a plate to you. That's the work that we've been doing this week.

"When we were on that winning run, I replied that we want to keep it going. It's the reverse, we want to change things now but it will all come through hard work and our basics."