Michael Dobson: It's been a tough week for Walsall

Apr 28 2008 By Brian Halford

MICHAEL Dobson believes Walsall's poor performance at Huddersfield showed the effects of a long season and a turbulent week.

The Saddlers were firmly second best to the Terriers as they suffered their seventh defeat in 11 games.

And, just days after the surprise resignation of manager Richard Money, midfielder Dobson admitted a gruelling campaign has worn Walsall down.

"You always say once you get over the white lines then your minds are on the job," said Dobson. "But it has been a tough year for a lot of players.

"We have over-achieved this year. We have done really well and it has been tough to stay up here. With the manager going this week has just made it that bit tougher."

Walsall started promisingly at the Galpharm Stadium but faded badly after Huddersfield took the lead just before the break.

"For some reason the lads just couldn't pull together," Dobson said. "I can't really put a finger on what happened. It was just one of those games.

"The manager resigned in the week and something just seemed to take a toll on the lads. The energy wasn't there. The work-rate that we usually have just wasn't there.

"As a team I didn't think we were whole. We all went about it as individuals and the better team won."

Derby loanee Lee Holmes, ruled out by a calf strain, should be back for the final game at home to Hartlepool next Saturday.