Dean Smith: Walsall reaching Wembley would be a 'triumph'
- Published
Walsall boss Dean Smith says it would be a "personal triumph" if the Saddlers can reach the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final and play at Wembley for the fist time in the club's history.
The Saddlers go into Tuesday's sell-out semi-final second leg against Preston North End at Bescot with a 2-0 lead.
Late goals at Deepdale by Anthony Forde and Tom Bradshaw give them the edge.
But Smith warns: "We've done half a job so far and that's all it is. We've got to be at our best."
He told BBC WM 95.6: "It has to be good to get through to what is a great cherry, but your cushion is only as good as your next performance."
Home woes for Walsall |
---|
Walsall, who have won just five of 16 home games in all competitions this season, have lost their last three at Bescot, conceding 10 goals. Bizarrely, that sequence runs alongside a run of three straight away victories. |
Along with Hartlepool, Accrington and Crawley, they are one of only four sides in the current Football League never to have played at Wembley. |
Experience is an area Smith wants to capitalise on as the Saddlers, who have struggled at the Banks's Stadium since Christmas, bid to avoid any further slip-ups on home soil.
And he sees the 34-year-old Chambers twins - Adam and James - as key players to counter a North End side not short on experience and nous themselves, with the likes of Kevin Davies, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Jermaine Beckford, Paul Gallagher and Neil Kilkenny in their ranks.
"Adam and James have seen a lot," said Smith. "James has been promoted in the play-offs with Watford to the Premier League and has played in big games.
"Adam is 34 and had a good career in the game and he's yet to play at Wembley, so what a chance for him."
"It's a great opportunity," Adam Chambers told BBC WM. "It's what you play football for. You've got to embrace it, You've got to enjoy the moment."
- Published26 January 2015
- Published26 January 2015
- Published26 January 2015
- Published8 January 2015
- Published7 January 2015
- Published10 December 2014
- Published13 November 2014
- Published7 June 2019