Crawley defender Mat Sadler intends to turn up the heat on his former manager Dean Smith today.

Smith’s job is under threat after Walsall lost in the FA Cup on Tuesday at home to non-league Lincoln to extend their winless run to 11 games. Sadler joined Crawley from the Saddlers in the summer and is confident Smith will turn things around but hopes the revival does not start until after today’s meeting at Broadfield Stadium.

Sadler said: “Walsall will be okay. They are on a bad run at the moment but Dean will be doing everything to give an air of positivity around the club.

“I hope they do turn things around but not until after Saturday. I have got a lot of respect for Dean and hope he comes through this because he is a good bloke.

“He worked wonders to keep them up when they looked doomed two seasons ago and then reinvented the way they play last season. They started this season like a train and although they are going through a bad patch at the moment I am sure Dean will get it right.

“You are always only one win from coming out of a bad run so we have to be on our guard to make sure it doesn't come against us.”

Meanwhile, Crawley boss Richie Barker hopes Shaun Cooper will be able to return to training this weekend after having an injection on a persistent groin injury. The former Bournemouth utility player has been sidelined since limping off against Colchester two months ago with the problem now spreading to his hips.