Mat Sadler, Walsall's head coach, has spoken exclusively about his team's season so far. After being 12 points clear at the top of League Two on New Year's Day and finishing seventh, one point off automatic promotion, they narrowly lost to AFC Wimbledon in the play-off final.
For Sadler, a break would have been warranted after such an eventful first half of the campaign. However, he has taken this as an opportunity to rebuild and regroup his team. With eight new signings and seven loan additions during the summer, Walsall's squad was transformed.
Sadler believes that this transformation is what has enabled the team to maintain their competitive edge despite a patchy start to the season. They now sit top of Sky Bet League Two with 26 points.
Their playing style has been characterized by low possession rates and limited passes. However, Sadler attributes these statistics to the team's emphasis on athleticism and discipline rather than any lack of effort or skill.
The manager, who made his first appearance as Walsall boss in May last year following two spells with the club as a player, credits his young players for their desire to improve. He notes that despite some promising performances, much work remains to be done.
Sadler also highlighted the impact that supporters have on the team's dynamics. With an "incredible army of fans" backing them, he believes they will push Walsall to achieve more.
Above all else, Sadler is committed to maintaining a strong sense of identity and culture within his squad. This he attributes to the energy and atmosphere surrounding the club, with many players drawing on shared experiences as a team.
For Sadler, a break would have been warranted after such an eventful first half of the campaign. However, he has taken this as an opportunity to rebuild and regroup his team. With eight new signings and seven loan additions during the summer, Walsall's squad was transformed.
Sadler believes that this transformation is what has enabled the team to maintain their competitive edge despite a patchy start to the season. They now sit top of Sky Bet League Two with 26 points.
Their playing style has been characterized by low possession rates and limited passes. However, Sadler attributes these statistics to the team's emphasis on athleticism and discipline rather than any lack of effort or skill.
The manager, who made his first appearance as Walsall boss in May last year following two spells with the club as a player, credits his young players for their desire to improve. He notes that despite some promising performances, much work remains to be done.
Sadler also highlighted the impact that supporters have on the team's dynamics. With an "incredible army of fans" backing them, he believes they will push Walsall to achieve more.
Above all else, Sadler is committed to maintaining a strong sense of identity and culture within his squad. This he attributes to the energy and atmosphere surrounding the club, with many players drawing on shared experiences as a team.
I don't know about this transformation thingy... seems like they just threw a bunch of new signings together and hoped for the best? 8 new signings and 7 loan additions doesn't sound like a solid rebuild to me 
. And what's with the low possession rates and limited passes? Sounds like they're just winging it instead of developing their own style 
. Plus, I'm not convinced that all these new players are gonna gel right away... we'll see about that 
I feel for this team, they had such high hopes after being in the top spot but then the play-off final came along and knocked them back down to earth 
. I love how the gaffer is taking the break as an opportunity to rebuild and regroup rather than getting demoralized. The fact that they're now top of the league with only 26 points shows you can turn things around in no time 
! And yeah, I can see how the low possession stats are just a reflection of their team's work rate and discipline - those young players are definitely learning quickly 
. But what really gets me is how much it means to them having that support from the fans 
- that energy and atmosphere at the stadium is truly special, and I'm sure it'll help them push for promotion again next season 
!
I mean, I'm not surprised they lost in that play-off final tbh... 8 new signings and 7 loan additions is a lot of shuffling around. It's like they were trying to rebuild the whole team from scratch. 
! I think it's amazing that their coach, Mat Sadler, took the loss in the play-off final as an opportunity to rebuild instead of getting discouraged 
! What I'm impressed with is how Sadler emphasizes athleticism and discipline over stats like possession rates - it shows he's all about building a strong team spirit 
. Plus, Sadler's focus on maintaining their unique identity and culture within the squad is so important - it's what sets teams apart from each other 
!
. But you know what's even more impressive? How quickly they've regrouped and reloaded for next season 
.
. I mean, it's easy to say the kids are the future, but you gotta give those new signings a chance too 
.
!
[Dad Joke] 'Low possession rates'... sounds like my ex's text messages 
[Rocket Ship] Up 26 points and still climbing! 
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. Bring on the rest of the season and let's see what Walsall can achieve! 
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! And you can see the difference they're making on the pitch – still a bit patchy at times, but that athleticism and discipline are paying off 
. Eight new signings and seven loan additions must've given 'em a bit of a reboot, right? And I love that Sadler's puttin' the blame on athleticism and discipline instead of makin' excuses about lack of skill