McAllister It is going to be a cracker
The list of Leeds United's opponents in their next five games might not set the pulses racing of seasoned supporters used to supping at the Premier League and Champions League table not so long back.
But try telling that to boss Gary McAllister, whose only regret is that he can't don his boots and direct operations again and be the heartbeat of the midfield he once gracefully patrolled for the likes of United, Liverpool and Scotland.
A seminal run of fixtures against fellow play-off aspirants kicks off tomorrow, with the visit of Richard Money's over-achieving Saddlers – and games against Brighton, Doncaster, Leyton Orient and Carlisle follow in a series of match-ups that promise to shape United's destiny.
With the Sky cameras coming to town tomorrow and a holiday crowd set to converge on Elland Road, the portents are set fair, according to McAllister, for an Easter cracker.
And he remains steadfastly upbeat ahead of the business end of the season despite a lamentable recent run against the division's lesser lights.
Other results could see United down to 11th or 12th before the tea-time kick-off, but on the flip side of the coin, a victory – allied to positive results elsewhere – could see the hosts reclaim a play-off place by virtue of leapfrogging the Saddlers into sixth spot.
McAllister said: "We know what's at stake. We know that if we beat Walsall, we go above them.
"We've got the TV here, a big crowd – what more can you ask for. I just wish I could play!"
On the run of six-pointers, he added: "It's a good thing. We are getting into a run of games that have got to inspire the players.
"These are the games that you want to play in. There's a lot at stake, but my advice to the players is to just go out there and lose themselves in hard work.
"And enjoy the challenge and rise to it. We've all got to stick together. The support we've been receiving is phenomenal and we need them more than ever now and we want a big vocal support on Saturday, which we have been getting."
Despitelosing talented young starlets Scott Dann and former United target Dan Fox to Coventry in the January transfer window – with both having celebrated England Under-21 call-ups this week – Walsall boss Money's blend of young and old haven't buckled and are proving a real success story this term.
Beaten just twice on their travels since September, the Saddlers will pose stiff opponents, just as they did in the reverse fixture in the Midlands when only a last-gasp Alan Thompson leveller salvaged a point for United in a 1-1 draw – on a day when the hosts' luck was out.
On tomorrow's opponents, McAllister added: "Walsall, like others, have done very well to get in such a good position, but so have we.
"I remember Richard (Money) as a player. And when I was playing at Coventry, he looked after the Academy, so I know him very well.
"I know what he's about and what he likes to preach.
He was brought up in a particular (footballing) way and they are a hard-working side. The reports on them are similar to the ones I receive on most sides in this division.
"They are organised, they will get behind the ball in numbers and it's going to be a tough game."
One thing United will need to sort out is the porous defending which blighted their attacking ambition in the Potteries last week in a rollercoaster 3-3 draw at Vale Park.
And it's an area United intend remedying tomorrow.
McAllister said: "Looking at the back four as a whole, I don't want to single anyone out (from last week).
"At Port Vale, we did a lot of things well; we scored three goals and had four one-on-ones apart from the goals.
"So, offensively we got things right, but defensively we switched off. I just feel as a team defending our goal, we didn't do well enough and we must do better."
Luke Rodgers' dramatic late intervention with the last kick of the match was cruel on McAllister's fellow Scot Dougie Freedman, whose debut to savour – which saw him bag a predatory double – was marred by virtue of the last-gasp twist. McAllister remains delighted with the impression made by the veteran goal-poacher since his loan arrival from Crystal Palace.
And not just by way of last Saturday, with Freedman having been busy passing on some striking tips away from prying eyes at Thorp Arch.
United fans will be sincerely hoping it helps light the blue touchpaper for Jermaine Beckford and Tresor Kandol in front of goal.
Beckford has netted just once in open play since December 29, while Kandol has gone just one better after firing home eight goals before Christmas.
And McAllister is hoping that Freedman's wily hints can boost his strikeforce.
On Freedman's debut, he said: "It was a shame for Dougie. It was a very, very good full debut.
"He got his two goals and was involved in lots of the good play that we had, so it was disappointing for him. I felt for him, he should have been in a winning side.
"But he's been great since he's arrived. He's been taking the (striking) guys away at the end of sessions and doing little striker movements and stuff.
"We spend a lot of time on offensive things here, but it's always nice to have someone there who has seen it and done it.
"And the players have been responding to Dougie, I think."
YEP
