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Walsall players are 'fighters, not victims'

Walsall players are 'fighters, not victims'

BBC News02-05-2025

Walsall boss Mat Sadler has called his squad "fighters, not victims" ahead of their crucial final-day clash at Crewe Alexandra. Last Saturday's home defeat at home to Accrington Stanley meant Walsall missed the opportunity to climb back into the League Two automatic promotion places following Bradford City's loss to league leaders Doncaster Rovers.Despite not winning in their last 13 league matches, a run that stretches back to 22 February, the Saddlers will still go up if they win at mid-table Crewe and Bradford fail to beat Fleetwood Town."We were all a little bit deflated after the weekend but we're fighters, we're not victims," Sadler told BBC Radio West Midlands."We reviewed it, we went through [the defeat] but then we moved on which is what we do all the time."Very quickly Tuesday comes and very quickly the sun shines and we have to get going again."A dismal run over the past three months has seen Walsall give up a 12-point lead at the top of League Two but Sadler says he remains positive with the help of a close support network."I'm very, very lucky to have the family that I have but I'm also very fortunate to have the coaches around me and the players lift you with the way they are," he added."Support wise, I've got everything that we need."Sadler also confirmed that he had no fresh injury concerns ahead of the trip to the Railwaymen.

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