Boss expects a proper game of football this weekend as Walsall arrive in South Cheshire

Steve Davis has praised Walsall’s footballing philosophy under their manager Dean Smith. The Alex boss expects both teams to play football the right way this weekend and he has compared the Saddlers policy of playing passing football and promoting their own youngsters as similar to our philosophy.

Crewe won a tight game 1-0 at the Banks’s Stadium back in October thanks to a late goal from the now Tranmere Rovers player Adam Dugdale.

The Alex boss expects another difficult game at Gresty Road this weekend and says that Smith has installed a footballing philosophy in his players.

Steve told the club’s official web-site: “I expect it will be a proper game of football this weekend. I hope so.

“Walsall like to play the right way and Dean (Smith) makes sure they stick to their principles. They keep playing to their philosophy and they should be admired for that. Not many managers are brave enough to do that.

“If things are not going right in terms of results, some managers will change things and try and eradicate the risk of errors. They will look to cut mistakes out and some will go route one. Walsall are one of those teams who stick to their principles.

“Walsall are similar to us in that they try and play the right brand of football. We install that into our players and try and give our young player opportunities to play and develop. Not all clubs do that.

“What you do hope for is that the footballing teams who try and be positive and play the right way come through in the end.”