Money looking for mental toughness

Jun 1 2007 By Brian Halford, Birmingham Mail

RICHARD Money today outlined his determination to ensure that all incoming players at Walsall this summer possess the right mentality to thrive in the tougher challenges of League One.

Money revealed that when the Saddlers gained promotion last month t hey fulfilled an expectation he had confidently held all along.

Next season, among the likes of Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Swansea and Oldham, the competition will be tougher - and many of the rival budgets bigger.

So Money is targeting players who will come in and be able to handle the pressure.

"I had absolutely no doubt we would get promotion last year," the manager said. "I am confident that we will be very competitive in the league above. We have a group of players who are hungry.

"We have a great work ethic and the people we sign will be of the same mentality. The right enviroment and the right culture are already in place at the club. With that framework, plus whoever arrives, the dressing room will be just as strong as it was last year."

After the yo-yo nature of recent seasons, most Walsall supporters would settle for a solid season, maybe with a push for the play-offs, next time round.

But Money is setting the bar high.

"I don't want to use the word consolidation because that could lead to a battle that we don't want," he said. "I want us to try and push and be as high as we can.

"It would be foolhardy to suggest we are going to get promoted next year, but I'm confident we can have a competitive season."

Meanwhile, Hector Sam, just released by Walsall, has joined League Two side Notts County.