Critics were queuing up to stick the knife in Paul Merson's back in March. Just five months later, he has his place as one of the most successful managers in the club's history.
Tuesday's 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest not only handed Gary Megson his annual August defeat at Bescot, it equalled the Walsall club record of seven successive league wins.
If they can go on to beat Southend United at Bescot on Saturday, then three successive victories, tagged onto the five in a row with which Merson's men finished last season, would earn sole ownership of that section of the Saddlers' history books. Typically, as understated in victory as he was unflappable under pressure, Merson owes it all to his players.
"That run started last season when the lads were under severe pressure," said Merson. "And they've shown real bottle to take it on again."
In March, Walsall looked on course for a second successive relegation but there is a new feeling of confidence, having started the season just where they left off. They also got a bit of luck with Jorge Leitao's match-winning spot-kick.
"When a bit of luck comes along, you've got to take it and we did," said Merson. "The lads played the ball about and maybe could have scored a few more once Forest were down to ten men. Forest gave it their all and frightened us towards the end. But, all in all, it was a good performance and a great result."
