Macken hails Saddlers promotion

10 May 2011 11:00
Jon Macken has compared Walsall's survival to promotion and poured praise on all quarters of the midlands club for the amazing achievement - most notably manager Dean Smith. Smith took over in early January with the Saddlers eight points from safety at the foot of the League One table. But he led a stunning escape over the second half of the season which resulted in Walsall securing their third-tier status on a dramatic final day. And Macken, who finished as second highest scorer behind Julian Gray with nine goals to his name, told the club's official website: "The gaffer came in and turned things around. He has given the players plenty of belief and has to take massive credit for what he has done here since January. "No one gave us a chance, it was an unbelievable task that stood in front of us at the turn of the year but we`ve done it and everyone has to take credit. "I`m going to enjoy the rest now. It's a weight off our shoulders and in our own little way, it's like promotion. No one wants to be involved in a relegation. We`ve achieved something not many people expected and we're going to enjoy it. "Every single person connected to the club has worked hard and deserves to celebrate and be happy about the way the season has ended for us."

Source: PA