Sadler calm over table-topping Walsall's good start

Sadler has been named League Two manager of the month

Walsall manager Mat Sadler has said that everyone at the club is remaining focused on each game despite their flying start to the new season.

Last season's beaten League Two play-off finalists are top of the table after 11 matches, but Sadler insisted he was not making any comparisons to last season when they let a 12-point lead slip, and eventually missed out at Wembley.

"You're talking about what will happen over the stretch of six, seven, eight months," he told BBC Radio WM.

"Looking ahead is pointless, looking behind is also pointless.

"Of course, learning is important, but we just have to make sure 'we're us', having as many options as we can to change things if it's not working. That's a big thing within each game."

Manager of the month

Walsall's unbeaten run of seven league matches, including six wins, has contributed to Sadler being named League Two manager of the month for September.

"It takes absolutely everybody to make anything happen on the road to winning a game, so many things come into it," he said.

"It's a reward for everybody. Obviously, we're not here for monthly awards, but it's pleasing on the way.

"Having to do things in different ways in different games, whether that's scoring goals from transitions or set plays, coming from behind, dealing with different styles that we play against. That's the challenge that League Two gives you."

The 40-year-old is determined to down-play his significance in their success, adding: "I'm a big one for the lads problem-solving themselves anyway, during the games.

"It sounds great making it out that it's me as a chess match, which sometimes football can be, but so much of it is the athleticism and the energy, and the grit and desire of the players to go and show what they are all about."

Kanu has scored three goals since joining on loan from Charlton

Sadler has praised the impact of striker Daniel Kanu, who was named young player of the month.

The 20-year-old arrived on loan from Charlton Athletic towards the end of August, and scored in three successive September fixtures against Chesterfield, Fleetwood Town and Tranmere Rovers.

"Daniel needs immense credit for the mental strength and athleticism that he shows, and just the willingness to be a team player that he is," said Sadler.

"I'm sure, like the other award, he'll know all his team-mates are together on that one."