Express & Star

Support crucial for Walsall's Erhun Oztumer

Erhun Oztumer has urged Walsall’s fans to keep believing in their new look side – with the forward insisting their support is crucial to a successful season.

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The Saddlers registered their first win of the 2017/18 campaign on Saturday when they secured a 2-1 victory over Oldham.

That result was achieved despite the players being booed at half-time following a lacklusture opening 45 minutes.

But Oztumer believes their rampant display after the interval has shown what they are capable of.

“My message for the fans is keep believing in us,” the 26-year-old said.

“We’ve only had two games in the league. We still need time to gel.

“The first half against Oldham felt like we had a bit of pressure on us.

“It’s still early in the season and getting booed off at half-time is a bit upsetting really.

“But we have put in a good performance and now we just need to keep winning.

“That’s what will get the fans on side and you can see the difference because in the second half they really helped us get that win.

“The important thing is not to write us off. There is a lot of potential in this team and a lot of football still to be played.”

Oztumer revealed some harsh words from boss Jon Whitney helped inspire Walsall to victory against the Latics.

And he now feels a benchmark has been set for the rest of the season.

“The team talk at half-time wasn’t pleasant,” Oztumer continued.

“I felt we looked lethargic. We were moving the ball too slowly and we weren’t really creating any problems for their defence.

“Then in the second half we upped our game. We created lots of chances.

“We were more aggressive with our play. We got the ball forward quicker.

“When you play with that high intensity you will create chances. And if you take those chances you win games.

“It was really good to get that first win of the season. And now we can build on it heading into Portsmouth on Saturday.”