Walsall boss Darrell Clarke has this morning demanded that the players and staff build up a good rapport with Saddlers fans as the club look to build bridges from last season.
Last season there was a massive divide between fans and players but Clarke insists that will not happen under his leadership.
Certain players took time out to rile a few supporters last season by going onto Social Media and antagonising the situation – Clarke insists that won’t be happening this season.
Clarke insists he wants supporters on side and wants the players to bond with his players.
Speaking to the Express and Star, Clarke said
“It’s important, we are a community club, we have got big clubs on our doorstep and it’s important we put ourselves out there and try to change the relationship.”
“I don’t think the relationship between fans and players was good last year. Obviously, it was disappointing with the results and the way things went.”
“But I think players reacted in the wrong manner towards the fans, I won’t have that.”
“It’s important we get that relationship as a staff and as a group of players so the fans get behind what we are trying to do. I am sure they will.”
Darrell Clarke, Brian Dutton and Marcus Stewart will be at the Banks’s Stadium this evening for a “Meet The Manager” evening where supporters will be able to ask questions ahead of the new season – set to start at 7pm.
Then the players will meet the supporters during the open training session at the Banks’s Stadium tomorrow.
