Sadler wants Walsall to prove doubters wrong against MK Dons

Walsall boss Mat Sadler is keen to reignite his side’s season when they take on MK Dons this evening.

The Black Country side have picked up just one win in ten and have dropped out of the play-off spots. But a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Grimsby Town last Wednesday, despite being down to ten men for the second-half, has given the manager hope of a turnaround heading into the final third of the season.

Speaking ahead of the game with Paul Warne’s side, he said: “Everyone is looking forward to the next game with the belief, energy and appetite to prove people wrong this year. We had it at the start, and now we’re returning to it. Anyone who doubts us, let’s prove them wrong.”

No stranger to Warne, assistant Richie Barker and first-team coach Darren Potter from his playing days at Crawley Town and Rotherham United, Sadler is excited to meet up with his old friends and colleagues, but knows his side will have their work cut out for them against a Dons side without defeat in eight, eyeing up a top three spot should they win.

He continued: “MK Dons will be a very tough game but it’s one we’re very much looking forward. We’re under no illusions how good they are. They’ve shown that throughout all season and you expect them to be in the mix come the end of it.

“You play against some teams and managers who you have more history with than others, and theirs are unbelievable people who I’m looking forward to seeing. We look forward to competing against each other.

“It will be tough but it’s all about us from our perspective. Monday night, under the lights with our support, will be massive for us. We can create a cauldron atmosphere here, so it’s exciting.”