Walsall manager Dean Smith spoke to his club’s official website ahead of his side’s League One game against Carlisle at the Banks’s Stadium on Saturday afternoon, Smith first looking at the short reign so far of Blues boss Graham Kavanagh:
“Unfortunately Greg Abbott lost his job, which is disappointing because I have a lot of time for him but Graham Kavanagh has taken over the helm there and done really well. Not unexpected because he has got a passion and a knowledge for the game that is unquestionable. They will be a tough proposition because we had them watched last week when they had a great 4-1 win against Tranmere.
“One of their loan players Tom Lawrence scored two fantastic goals so he is one that we have got to watch. But, they have got threats throughout the team, the front three of Lee Miller, David Amoo and Lawrence, and Matty Robson with his free-kicks as well. We have got to be at our best, we know that, there are no games in this league where if you take a rest you won’t get punished, and this will be another one.
“We have got a fully-fit squad again which is really good and really pleasing, especially with a busy period coming up now of four games in 12 days starting with the home game against Carlisle. It would be nice if we could clock up back-to-back wins and continue the consistent performance we have been showing.
“So, Carlisle coming up first who have changed their manager and then we go to Bristol City where Sean O’Driscoll has gone and Steve Cotterill has taken over, and then it is Gillingham where Peter Taylor has taken over from Martin Allen, and then finally on New Year’s Day we have got Sheffield United where Nigel Clough obviously took over from David Weir. All four clubs in transition with new management and all their players playing to the best of their ability to make sure they keep themselves in the manager’s plans.
“I have given the players Christmas Day off, there are not many days off over the period so for me to get them in for an hour on Christmas Day when it is a family day and you have got players who are travelling from all over the country then I think it is important that you give them the day at home. They are very professional, we trust them, we will do a little bit at the ground before we travel down to Bristol City, so we will be ready for that game.
“But, it is a busy period and they will be in recovering an awful lot for the next game, the training is not the big thing, it is the recovery period to make they recover in time for the game and be fully prepared for it. But, Carlisle is the last game before Christmas and then two tough away games at Bristol City and then a long journey to Gillingham before we have big game to start a new year with at home to Sheffield United.
“It's all about being consistent in our performances and the results will come. Any team can go on a good run at this level and there are certainly plenty of points available over the next couple of weeks. That said, we won't be looking too far ahead. It's always been a case of taking it game-by-game and getting as many points as we can. There is a real sense of purpose around this club. We've changed people's perceptions and I would like to think that we can enjoy a fruitful festive period. “
Meanwhile Saddlers midfield Romaine Sawyers told his club’s official website:
“"Carlisle's form has picked up recently, they will come here with a game plan, but as the home team it is up to us to impose our style on the game from the off. I'm sure they will come here and try to stop us doing that, but we'll be ready for it and determined to build on our victory at Shrewsbury last weekend. We put in a good team performance on that occasion, with everyone making a contribution, but, as always, the main thing was that we came out of the game with three points.
"As a team we feel that we can beat anyone on our day. As long as we reach the standards that we have set ourselves, we will be okay. We're looking forward to the matches coming thick and fast, there are plenty of points up for grabs and a real chance for us to strengthen our position in the top half of the table. It's a cliche, but we have to take it one game at a time and that means focussing on Carlisle first and foremost."
The referee for tomorrow's match is Darren Bond from Burscough and he will be assisted down the lines by Mark Jones from Mansfield and Rob Merchant from Endon in Staffordshire. Meanwhile the fourth official is Amy Fearn (née Rayner) from Loughborough.