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Brian Dutton is looking for positive Walsall vibes

Assistant boss Brian Dutton insists ‘the be-all and end-all’ is to build a positive environment which will breed results at Walsall.

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Dutton and former Ipswich Town centre forward Marcus Stewart have been brought in as coaches by new Saddlers boss Darrell Clarke for next season in League Two.

It has been a complete shake-up at the Banks’s Stadium on the back of relegation, and Dutton – who served as first team coach while Clarke was Bristol Rovers chief – is keen to get off to a good start.

“A blank canvas is every coaching staff and manager’s dream, but there is no such thing in my opinion,” he said.

“If you lose three games on the bounce, then all of a sudden that blank canvas is no good to anybody.

“It is really important to get off to a good start.

“It goes hand in hand, the positive environment and the results.

“If you do get poor results, it does slow down the positive environment.

“The be-all and end-all is to be able to create that positive environment and hopefully the results will follow, and that is what we will be looking to do.”

As well as serving as assistant, Dutton will also assume the role of professional phase development coach for Walsall.

“With the project we have here, we want to develop youth and I think everyone will be dipping in with that,” said Dutton.

“I have come from a development background in that I worked in colleges for many years, and then I progressed into the first-team environment at Bristol Rovers.

“Working with young talent is natural to me and I am happy to wear both hats.”

He added: “It’s very comfortable to come in with people I trust.

“I built up good relationships with Marcus during my time at Bristol Rovers and I have known Darrell for over a decade now, so the relationship there is very strong.

“I am happy to be here and I want to progress this project to its maximum.”