Walsall manager Jon Whitney has spoken to the press and issued a challenge to his first-team squad. The gaffer, who has taken charge of sixty-six games since being named as interim manager in March 2016, wants the fringe members of his squad to force their way into the team.
Speaking via the Express & Star, the 46-year-old called upon his team to give him a selection headache heading into the 2017/18 campaign, he said; "I told them before the Villa game, now is business time. This is the team. There will be a few disappointed they are not in it but they have to now fight because there is competition for places. They have to fight to keep that shirt now.
"You can’t wait till a week before to turn it on. These lads have hit it from day one and their application and work ethic has been a pleasure. If you have got that and the team ethos we have a chance and will be competitive in every game. What I want is a big headache when it comes to the Friday before Bury. I want selection problems where I have to leave certain people out who have done well."