Michael Dobson hasn't enjoyed the best of fortunes since signing for Walsall in the summer but has still made a huge impact at the Bescot. With the Saddlers sitting in fourth place in League Two, Richard Money's plan for promotion is ticking along nicely and Dobson is expected to play an integral role. The summer signing from Brentford, where he made over 200 appearances, broke a hand in pre-season but was still able to play a starring role in their first two games of the campaign. However, he suffered an horrendous facial injury in closing minutes of the fixture with Stockport to leave him needing a total of 11 stitches to repair the damage of a flailing boot. But Dobson returned to the fray with a prominent scar against Barnet last Saturday and helped the Saddlers garner a valuable away point. Givemefootball's Ian Clarkson caught up with Dobson to find out how the 25-year-old's recovery has gone.
Q:HOW WAS YOUR COMEBACK GAME?
A:My comeback was alright although it was a bit sore when I was heading the ball, which is to be expected for the first couple of weeks. I had three internal stitches as it went right through to the skull and eight on the outside. The manager wanted me to be substitute the previous weekend but I didn't feel comfortable heading the ball so I told him I wasn't right. I am fit for selection now but I could look like Frankenstein for some while. However, my missus thinks I'm prettier now!
Q:THAT IS YOUR SECOND INJURY IN AS MANY MONTHS AT WALSALL – ARE YOU GOING TO CHANGE YOUR STYLE OF PLAY?
A:It has been the story of my career where I get injuries! I think I put myself in a position where I get injured. I am that kind of player and I will stick my foot and head in where it hurts and I am not going to change my style. It has got me where I am today and that is why I have played so many games as managers like someone who is going to put themselves about. You have to take the rough with the smooth.
Q:YOU ARE UNBEATEN IN SIX LEAGUE GAMES THIS YEAR – WAS THAT UNEXPECTED?
A:The squad and the management knew we could do it as we have the ability and the team spirit. I don't know what was here last year but from what I have heard we have got out some of the bad apples in the dressing room and it is a good bunch this year. We have all gelled together. From my point of view I knew we could do it. In fact, everyone is disappointed that we have dropped points. That is how high we are setting our standards. I believe we can carry on our run and there is no reason why we can't go another ten games unbeaten.
Q:RICHARD MONEY IS A CONFIDENT CHARACTER – HAS THAT ENTHUSIASM TRANSMITTED ITSLEF TO THE PLAYERS?
A:His confidence rubs off. If you have someone who takes you and makes you want to win every game then it hurts to even draw. I know the rest of the lads feel the same and we don't want to be going to places and picking up single points. You want three points and get ahead of our target and we want promotion it is as simple as that.
Q:COMPETITION FOR A STARTING ROLE HAS BEEN FIERCE AT THE BESCOT THIS YEAR HASN'T IT?
A:It is always good to have competition and if you have three or four players for one position then it keeps you on your toes. If you are sat in the team and there is no-one there to come in if you are struggling or not playing well it doesn't matter, as you will still probably get picked. But if you have another two biting at your heels then you have to be putting performances in every week. That can only help the team.
