Dean Smith Looks Ahead To Tomorrow

Last updated : 04 February 2011 By Thetashkentterror
Dean Smith
Walsall boss Dean Smith spoke to his club's official website and the Express and Star ahead of his side's League One match against Carlisle at Brunton Park tomorrow, Smith saying the Saddlers have plenty of confidence and belief in their camp at the moment :


"Whilst we know that Saturday's game is going to be tough, we firmly believe that we can go to Carlisle and beat them. There is plenty of confidence and belief in our dressing room and we will take that into the game with us. Carlisle find themselves in the middle of the table. They will be keen to bounce back from their defeat at Huddersfield in midweek, but we'll just worry about ourselves and making sure that we go there and get a result.

"They beat Huddersfield 4-0 in the first leg of the JPT and are a few days from playing a game which could take them to Wembley, hopefully they'll be looking at that rather than us. You always hope, I'm sure they'll be professional enough not to, but there are always side issues. They'll want to bounce back from losing on Tuesday at Huddersfield too, but they are a mid-table team and one we can believe we can go and beat.

"We know that we have to start winning games; if we win our games then we'll stay up. It's about concentrating on what we do rather than worrying about results elsewhere which we have no control over. Four points was the return from the two home games so we're looking for something away now after the point on Wednesday. I want us to take each game as it comes. It's clear that everyone is capable of beating each other in this League.

"It would be wrong of me not to reiterate how good our supporters were at Notts County on Wednesday evening. They got behind us right from the start and I was really pleased that we were able to reward them with a late equaliser. The fans want to see players fighting for the cause and they're getting that now. As long as we continue to do that, they'll continue getting behind us and in our situation it is all about everyone working together in this way.



"After these three games people will start looking over their shoulders, they should do. Notts County is a tough place to go, they've just held Manchester City to a draw and they have millions and millions. Give the lads credit for Wednesday, we came and fought well and got the point. I said to the lads, maybe a month ago we would have rolled over or been ecstatic with a point but on Wednesday there was a tinge a disappointment.

"We've got fighting spirit and never know when we're beaten. We ended up throwing three up front and Alex (Nicholls) has come up with the goal. It was fantastic for him and for us because it keeps a little run going. He scored his goal when he went up top and we've spoken about goals coming from everywhere. We are creating chances and the more we create the more we'll score.

"We'll be missing Jason (Price) on Saturday who won't be allowed to play against his parent club, but I believe in the squad I've got. They filled in well on Tuesday when they came on and proved they can do it. Will Grigg and Jamie Paterson came on and did well against Mike Edwards especially and Krystian Pearce, who came through the ranks at Birmingham.

"There's no pressure at all on Jon Macken to score, Jon is a massive asset for us. He's an integral part of what we want and where we're going. You can see he's still got that drive in him. The games he's played have shown what he gives to the team. He will be disappointed his return of goals has only been one under me but his work and commitment for the cause has been fantastic. The whole dressing room knows that.

"They know what he's contributed and against Bristol Rovers he played a part in about in four goals. He holds the ball up well, brings others into play, knows the game and coaches others. He's a good professional to have around."