This season has been one long picnic for Kris Taylor and Walsall. They proudly sit on top of League Two whatever the outcome of their trip to Chester tonight. After last season's relegation, supporters dare not have hoped for such a renaissance under Richard Money, who has affectionately been christened 'Dickie Dosh' by the Saddlers' faithful. It has also been a breath of fresh air for Taylor after being placed on the transfer list by Paul Merson last season and farmed out to Burton Albion on loan. Taylor was also publicly criticised along with some of his teammates after a loss at Bristol City in January and looked to be heading out of the exit door at the Bescot Stadium. However, as he told givemefootball's Ian Clarkson, a switch to left back and a change of manager has rekindled the former Manchester United apprentice's confidence.
Q:ARE YOU SURPRISED THE SEASON HAS GONE SO WELL UP TO NOW?
A:I don't think it is a surprise that it has gone so well as you look around the dressing room and we have got a lot of good players. You look at all the players and think 'we have got a chance'. The manager has come in and got us fit, playing well, organised and a difficult team to play against.
Q:WHAT HAS CHANGED FOR YOU PERSONALLY?
A:The new manager came in and I said 'can you just give me an opportunity before you make a decision?' He has done that and I think I have proved I can do it. It is just a matter of keeping it going. I had an operation in the summer, which I needed and that has helped me no end with my fitness levels. I had a heel injury from October and had to wait until I had a chance to get it done The new manager has got everyone playing with more confidence and belief, not just me.
Q:YOU MUST HAVE HAD SOME LOW POINTS LAST SEASON WHEN IT LOOKED AS THOUGH YOU WERE HEADING OUT OF THE DOOR AND READING ABOUT YOURSELF IN THE PAPERS?
A:I see myself as a left back and I think I was starting to see that I could do well there last season but Merse (Paul Merson) was always saying to the press 'he's saying he's not a left back', which wasn't true. I told him to play me there but he said in the press that I was moaning. After the first few times it happened I was a bit down, but after a while all the lads just started to read it and go 'oh right' and put the paper down! Something would be said one day and the day after he would be saying something else.
Q:DID IT AFFECT YOUR CONFIDENCE?
A:I don't think you become a bad player overnight. I think a lot of it is confidence and a manager showing that he believes in you. If you are in and out the team you don't get settled and you are on a bit of a downer, which doesn't really do you any good. I just want to play as many games, as I can as my contract is up in the summer. I want to earn myself a new deal.
Q:IT APPEARS AS THOUGH THE NEW REGIME UNDER RICHARD MONEY IS SUITING YOU?
A:The organisation and training shows on a Saturday as we are playing good football and not conceding any goals. We are strong as a unit rather than just having a back four and a goalkeeper with everyone else gung ho. The club seems a lot better and the lads are looking forward to coming to training. Once you get that feeling you are on to a winner.
