Smith celebrates Saddlers survival

07 May 2011 20:00
Dean Smith hailed his `greatest achievement in football so far` after steering Walsall to League One safety. The Saddlers lost 3-1 at Southampton on the final day of the season but stayed up as Dagenham & Redbridge were beaten 5-0 at Peterborough. "We came here to win the game but that didn`t happen but I`m not that worried because we have stayed up and that is what counts," said Smith. "We went down to two quick goals but got a lifeline on half-time with an absolutely brilliant goal from Julian Gray which helped my team-talk a bit. "I had somebody at the Peterborough game so I knew the scores all throughout the afternoon and when Dagenham & Redbridge went 3-0 down I knew straightaway on the sidelines. "We`ve worked really hard since January and the players have now got their reward for a tough end of the season. "I will sit down with the chairman on Monday and discuss next season but for now we all just want to celebrate with the fans. This is my greatest achievement in football so far and I am delighted for everyone associated with the club."

Source: PA