Walsall manager Kevan Broadhurst has expressed his confidence that his team will escape relegation from League One.
Even though Walsall have picked up just one win in 2006 and sit in third bottom with four to go down to League Two, they are in a group of five clubs separated by two points and Broadhurst believes he can rescue a team that seemed doomed under Paul Merson.
His optimism is based on the fact that he has been in the situation before, having rescued both Bristol Rovers and Northampton Town from similarly perilous positions, and a relatively kind run-in to the season.
Walsall have to play several of the teams in the bottom half of the division, starting with this week-end's trip to Blackpool, and Broadhurst is sure his squad have enough to remain in the league.
"We've got eight winnable games to go and we've got the right teams to play in the right places," Broadhurst said.
"My confidence did not waver, even last Tuesday when we lost to Yeovil. I am understanding more and more why we are in the position we are in. And I'm understanding more and more which players I need to use and where."
And the former Birmingham City player is convinced that the coming month-anda-half will be as much a test of mental fortitude as physical prowess.
"It's going to get edgy over the next few weeks but probably the most relaxed person will be me because I've been in this position before. The boys could get a bit uptight but it's down to my experience to keep them going."
On the positive side, goal-keeper Andy Oakes, who missed the 2-2 draw with Bradford City last weekend, should recover from an ankle injury.
Anthony Gerrard and Mark Wright should also be fit to travel to Bloomfield Road but Kevin James and Grant Smith are expected to miss out.
