The mountains of criticism aimed at owner and Chairman Jeff Bonser following the Saddler’s disastrous end to the season seems to be hitting home, a she has gone on a PR offensive.

Bonser has outlined to the Evening Mail his ambition to make Walsall a club who can “compete effectively” at Championship level.

He claims his ambition for the club is as high as that of the fans in an interview with the paper.

“My ambition, which is shared by each of my board colleagues, is for Walsall Football Club to return to the Championship. We are building a club that will not only be able to do this, but compete effectively at the higher level, rather than just survive.”

The appointment of the new manager will, therefore, be of paramount importance. The new man will, after the retained list was announced, have only a handful of experienced players on contract - and none at all with any experience in midfield or attack.

Richard Money was a surprise appointment - and one of a coach of rock-solid credentials rather than flamboyant reputation and the chairman has hinted he is looking for something similar this time round.

“Football is littered with clubs who choose managers on the basis of their playing record or being a ‘big name’ rather than their ability to do the job,” he said.

“I can promise that the next appointment will be the candidate we consider able to take the club to the Championship.”

How far the fans will be prepared to take this at face value remains to be seen, with the accusations of lack of ambition still ringing around the ground. Is this a statement with some substance, or just a PR exercise to see the club over the current unrest? Only time, the appointment of a new man and the quality of the players bought in will tell.