Sadler 'eking' every bit of learning out of Connor

Terry Connor has held coaching posts at Wolves, Ipswich Town, APOEL Nicosia, Cardiff City, Blackpool and the Republic of Ireland

Walsall head coach Mat Sadler says he is "eking" every bit of learning he can out of his time working with his assistant Terry Connor.

Former Wolves boss Connor, 63, is with the Saddlers' coaching team on a temporary basis while Gary Waddock continues his recovery from ankle surgery.

"TC's great, he oozes experience," Sadler told BBC Radio WM.

"He's got loads of good points and titbits and, most importantly, he focuses on the fundamentals.

"He's very good at articulating that to the group during sessions. He's a brilliant bloke and a wonderful person to spend time with.

"I'm going to eke out as much as I can from him."

Sadler is in his third full season with Walsall and has got the club into position to challenge for promotion from League Two for the second campaign in a row.

After leading the division by 12 points at one stage last term only to lose in the play-off final, the Saddlers are currently second after 16 games, one point behind leaders Swindon Town.

And Sadler says every day remains a school day, especially with Connor in the ranks.

"You're foolish to not think that and if you ask TC he'll say he's still learning," Sadler said.

"He's learning from me, I'm learning from him, what he likes, what I like - all of that stuff.

"That's why I've been fortunate to have had people like Gary, TC, Chris Powell and Richard O'Kelly - people I trust implicitly.

"Football teaches you that you've never cracked it. There's always something to think about and that's what makes it so exciting."

'When we come down from those standards we have to get back to them quickly'

Sadler takes his side to Harrogate Town on Saturday (12:30 GMT) knowing they can go top with a win, at least for a few hours.

They suffered their third defeat in four league games at home to Colchester United last weekend but Sadler says he is keeping some perspective over their efforts so far.

"Perspective is a good word to use," he said.

"It's a 46-game season and loads of games are going to be this and that but the lads have worked hard and shown a willingness to run and fight.

"When we come down from those standards we have to get back to them quickly.

"It's important to make sure we talk about it but the lads for large parts have been outstanding.

"I have to make sure I keep repeating that and making sure people know how much I believe in us and how brilliant we've been."

Mat Sadler took over at Walsall at the end of the 2022-23 season