The Local Lowdown: Walsall

This is Walsall’s fifth successive season in League Two. How would you describe the past few years for the club?

This is my first season covering Walsall, but it is clear that the supporters are desperate to get back to League One. 

Many expected a swift return to the third tier, but instead they've been languishing in the bottom half of League Two for much of the past five years. 

The 19th place finish in 2020/21 was a major low point for the Saddlers, and a positive first half to the previous campaign under Michael Flynn offered a glimmer of hope. 

However, a disastrous run of one win in 20 games between mid-January and mid-April ultimately cost Flynn his job, as Walsall limped to a 16th place finish. 

Is there a greater sense of optimism about what the Saddlers can achieve this season under head coach Mat Sadler?

Sadler had been part of the backroom staff under previous management, and stepped into the breach for the final three matches in 2022/23. 

There was a mixed reaction to his permanent appointment, but Sadler has always insisted that he is overseeing a building project at Walsall. 

There was a major squad overhaul once again in the summer and the recruitment focused primarily on young talent, which was demonstrated with the signings of Jackson Smith, David Okagbue, Harry Williams, Ryan Stirk, Douglas James-Taylor, and Freddie Draper (who was recalled by Lincoln ahead of the Southampton game).  

The additions of Priestley Farquharson, and Danny Johnson's return following his goal-laden loan spell last season, has injected quality and experience to accompany the young players.

The next challenge for Walsall is to tie down a number of first-team players on long-term deals, which they've achieved in the cases of Oisin McEntee and Jack Earing in recent weeks.

It's been a rollercoaster campaign, which has been made even more difficult due to an endless list of injuries and suspensions, but performances in recent weeks have got the Bescot buzzing again!  

Jamille Matt scores the only goal against Alfreton Town in Walsall's FA Cup second-round replay

Walsall have won five of their last six games, including a 6-1 away win at Grimsby last time out. What’s clicked in recent weeks?

Walsall were on the floor at the end of November and the defeat at Barrow extended their winless run in the league to six games. 

There were cries for Sadler to be sacked, and co-owner Ben Boycott travelled over from the US to address the situation. 

But one thing that has never wavered is the team spirit. That is clear whenever you walk the corridors at their Essington training ground, or interview Sadler and the players before and after games. 

Also, Walsall failed to score a single league goal during November, despite having 50 attempts across the three games. Sadler never once threw his players under the bus and maintained his belief in the squad throughout such a difficult period. 

That type of sacrificial leadership has manifested itself onto the pitch in recent games, and belief is sky high after a spectacular run of results, which has seen them climb from 19th to within just three points of the play-offs. 

Who are the players to watch out for?

Walsall have suffered a major blow ahead of the game with star striker Freddie Draper being recalled by his parent club Lincoln City.

The teenager scored 10 goals for the Saddlers, and was their highest scorer in the league, so he will be a big miss.

Isaac Hutchinson is another smooth operator in midfield, and overtook Draper as the leading scorer in all competitions with a brace on New Year's Day. 

But perhaps the most consistent performer has been Liam Gordon. The left wing-back has been a joy to watch and is a relentless force down the flank both defensively and offensively. 

Other names to mention are club captain Donervon Daniels and fellow centre-back Priestley Farquharson, who has been a revelation since his return from injury, whilst Jack Earing has marked his return from a long-term ACL injury with goals in back-to-back games.

Walsall skipper Donervon Daniels leads from the back

Walsall’s last trip to St Mary’s was a memorable day in these parts as Saints were promoted to the Championship. What sort of mark did it leave on the visitors?

Although I am not a Southampton fan myself, my dad has supported the Saints all of his life, and we actually had a season ticket during the Ronald Koeman days, and the 2016/17 season under Claude Puel. 

I remember that double promotion-winning side very well with the talents of José Fonte, Adam Lallana, Morgan Schneiderlin, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and of course, Rickie Lambert. 

Walsall had been rock-bottom of League One when Dean Smith succeeded Chris Hutchins in January 2011, and managed to stay up by the smallest of margins. 

Whilst the first 18 months of the Smith era saw Walsall languishing in the bottom end of the table, he eventually built a very talented side, which came to within touching distance of automatic promotion in 2015/2016, although he had left the club for Brentford during that campaign.

What was the reaction of the club and fans to the third-round draw?

Excitement. Both for the team and the supporters. Firstly, many of the players have never played on a stage like this before, and it'll be a great chance for them to showcase their talent. 

And the interest of the supporters is for all to see with over 2,200 expected to make the journey down from Walsall. 

What do you expect from Saturday’s tie, and how will Walsall approach it?

I see it as a free hit myself. It would be no disgrace if Walsall lose to Southampton, as long as they do so with dignity, but the confidence they could gain from pulling off an upset would be colossal, especially against a team that has not tasted defeat in 18 games.

Walsall played four games in 10 days over Christmas, and that will have inevitably taken a toll on the players, both physically and mentally. Nonetheless, I fully expect Sadler to field the strongest XI that he possibly can in his quest to continue the momentum that they've gathered in recent weeks.

Follow George on Twitter @gbennett1997