It has been difficult for Neil Emblen to plead a case in his own defence, so being dropped to the Walsall bench for the match against Sheffield Wednesday last Saturday may prove to be a blessing in disguise.
The former Wolverhampton Wanderers centre back came on for Kofi Dakinah in the first half and Walsall secured a 1-1 draw that did much to restore confidence.
Nevertheless, the record of 18 goals conceded in eight matches so far this season is hardly one that will delight Paul Merson, the Walsall manager, who has not been afraid to make tough decisions.
Omitting Emblen, the 33-year-old captain, was seen as a surprise but the player accepted the decision with good grace and has vowed to turn the disappointment to his advantage.
"It was the kick up the backside that I needed," Emblen said. "It's up to the gaffer if I play in the next game but if I am playing well and making us more solid and compact.
"Individual errors are being punished a lot of the time. We have got to stop these errors and then we will win games two or three nil."
Claiming bad luck only goes so far, of course, and Emblen believes that Walsall's fortunes will change. Consistency is the key, as is an emphasis on keeping clean sheets.
"Now we need to go on a run," he said. "Back to back wins and we will fly back up the table."
