Manny Smith says Saddlers have to win fans back

Sep 5 2009 by Ken Montgomery, Birmingham Mail

YOUNG Walsall defender Manny Smith admits the team were disappointed by the fact that their home game against Gillingham attracted the lowest league attendance at the Banks’s Stadium in 11 years.

But he said it was up to the players to entice the supporters back.

Walsall were held to a goalless draw by the Gills in a game watched by just 3,331, including visiting supporters, last Saturday.

Smith admits that is not a pleasing sign but is confident, if the players can concentrate on entertaining, the crowds will return in their droves.

“It was sad to see such a low crowd,’’ he said.

“But we are here to perform and, hopefully, when we start winning games and performing well then word will get around and we will get the fans back.”

The centre-back, 21, believes Walsall fans have great expectations and perhaps have to adapt those somewhat and realise this is still a young side.

“I think sometimes the fans expect us to win 10-0,” Smith said.

“We played at home to the top side Leeds and played well but then, when we play one of the lowest teams such as Gillingham, supporters automatically expect us to beat them.

“They can’t expect us to win every game but they can expect us to perform and that is what we have to do week in, week out for them.

‘‘All they want to do is be entertained and sing-a-long and hopefully we can get back to that.”