John Sheridan pleased to bow out on a high as Fleetwood beat Walsall

Posted Sunday, May 06, 2018 by PA

Fleetwood head coach John Sheridan was pleased to end his short spell at the club on a high with a 2-0 win over Walsall.

A sublime 31st-minute strike from Ash Hunter and a 45th-minute poachers finish from Paddy Madden sealed the victory and helped Fleetwood finish 14th, with Sheridan guiding Town from just above the drop zone to safety in his brief reign.

When he took over in February, Fleetwood were on an eight-match losing spree.

But the final-day game was more like a pre-season friendly and farewell party for Sheridan who makes way for Joey Barton.

He said: “I’m chuffed to bits to finish with a win.

“It is important, especially at home, last game of the season. It is a nice way to finish.

“It has not been a good season, let’s not get carried away.

“But since I have come in the players have responded. The aim was to stay in the division and we have performed and done well.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has made me feel very welcome in the short time I’ve been here. We all stuck together and got over the line.”

Walsall boss Dean Keates says the loss summed up the season as they just beat the drop too.

He said: “We showed naivety for the goals with spare bodies in the box, left it one v one when somebody else could have got out and doubled up on their wide player.

“It’s probably the story of the season and definitely of the short time that I have been in charge.

“You want to finish as high as you can and we brought up a great following. We wanted to give them something to remember the last game by.

“The support was unbelievable and it’s up to me now to make sure they continue their support and their passion for the club and I can put a team out that mirrors what goes on in the stands.”