Walsall's late-season push for the League Two play-offs has ended in disappointment, with head coach Darren Byfield taking full responsibility for a tactical shift he believes backfired. Appointed last month, Byfield initially sparked hope with an unbeaten four-match run that kept the Saddlers within striking distance of the top seven.

However, the pursuit of those crucial wins led to a change in approach. "We knew draws weren't good enough," Byfield explained, describing a move to a more aggressive, "gung-ho" style. This gamble proved costly, most notably in a 4-0 second-half collapse against Cheltenham Town that effectively ended their promotion dreams.

Despite the painful outcome, Byfield stands by his decision to chase the game, stating he would do the same again in the high-pressure scenario. The focus now shifts to regrouping and finishing the season strongly, with Byfield promising a return to their earlier, more structured form in their final match against Barrow.