Jeff Bonser has pleaded for patience from Walsall's supporters and says that they are better-equipped than ever to avoid relegation.

The Saddlers are languishing in sixteenth place as Paul Merson, the player-manager, grapples with a crippling injury list but Bonser envisages a positive future.

Merson has come under fire from certain sections of the Walsall crowd. There was even talk of a token demonstration against Doncaster, but victory rendered any such action redundant.

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Nevertheless, supporters will be expecting another home victory on Saturday, against a struggling Gillingham eliminated from the FA Cup by tiny Burscough, to propel them up the table.

Bonser said: "I am sure Paul's best results as a manager will come in the future and I hope everyone has patience, as I certainly have.

"I am positive we will get out of this division in the future and when we do, we will be better-equipped to survive at that level.

"After one season in the Championship, I said that we would be better-equipped when we gained promotion again and that proved correct. We survived in the Championship for three seasons and I think we will be in even better shape when it happens again.

"We could establish ourselves as a mid-table Championship side eventually, but we might have to be patient before we reach that goal.

"Paul works extremely hard and is a far better manager than when he started 18 months ago. He is gaining knowledge all the time and why should we train a manager for someone else? I have a brilliant relationship with Paul, as he leaves the finances to me and I leave the football to him."

Bonser is convinced that there are mitigating circumstances for Walsall's inconsistent campaign thus far. He highlights the severe injury problems that have deprived Merson of half-adozen squad members on a regular basis.

Yet, ironically, that has provided Bonser with one of his primary sources of inspiration for a bright future. He said: "I have never been so optimistic about the future on the footballing side. It has been a mixed season so far, but we have suffered a lot of injuries and Paul has been brave enough to blood teenagers.

"Most of our fans can see what he is trying to do and there is no future in trying to buy your way to promotion unless you have a Roman Abramovich-style benefactor to subsidise you.

"There is everything to play for as four points either way could make a big difference to us. When our injuries clear up, I am positive our results will get better.

"We have developed a young, vibrant side and young players will make mistakes that cost you games; but they will learn from their errors.

"We had five youth-team players on the bench against Merthyr Tydfil and a 17-yearold in goal. We have had five teenagers regularly playing in the first team and they are only going to improve in time. The future is very bright for this football club."