Reaction From Walsall Boss Richard Money

Last updated : 04 February 2008 By Thetashkentterror
Walsall boss Richard Money
Saddlers manager Richard Money spoke to the Express and Star about his side's 2-1 defeat at Brunton Park on Saturday, Money complaining about the awarding of United's spot-kick by referee Eddie Ilderton :


"If you're going to lose an undefeated run, you want to do it playing like that - I thought the best team lost. It was a very brave performance from the team I thought, especially in the second half where we dominated the game. It's a cruel game sometimes and we have contributed to our own downfall with two bad goals and two bad decisions from individuals, but we have to pick ourselves up and go again.

"You always need to score when you're on top and there's no doubt that we had a lot of chances, but we didn't convert them and it's ended up costing us. I was never worried about Scott Dann leaving, we just have to move forward - it's as simple as that. You have to deal with everything that comes along as a manager and we'll deal with this situation, it's not a problem.

"I thought the officials were shocking, very, very poor and in no way in my view was it a penalty. I don't know what the referee wants (Paul) Boertien to do in that situation. If anybody thinks that was handball they're on a different planet. He was just blocking the shot and the ball's hit him. I thought we were very bright and very impressive in the second half and it's nice when you come off the pitch and the opposition's management team know that your team's played well.

"Obviously he (Kevin Betsy) didn't arrive until Thursday, but it was a promising performance. He'll give us another dimension - he can run at people. You mustn't forget that it was his first game in the first team for quite some time and as with Lee Holmes when he first arrived, for the first couple of games it takes a while to settle back into things. There's a lot more to come from Betsy, but I thought it was promising.

"To be honest, the other teams results are the last thing on my mind. I'm just making sure that we're ok. They're disappointed because they're very proud of the run they've been on. They know they've played well and they're disappointed but we just want to make sure we pick them up and we go again next week.

"If Michael Ricketts doesn't sign we know we need another striker. There might also be an addition or two in the middle of the pitch, because we're beginning to look a little bit short of numbers in there too. We're not panicking in any way, but if we are going to make a run towards the play-offs and actually get there, then we will need to strengthen."