Last Updated: Tue, 25 Apr 2006 14:58
Kevan Broadhurst says he did all he could to keep Walsall up but believes the lack of experience in his squad cost them.
Broadhurst took the job knowing he would get a long-term deal at the end of the season if he kept the club up, but following relegation at the weekend has now been given the chop.
Broadhurst says he tried his best but was facing an uphill battle with the squad he inherited.
"I don't think anyone could have done any more to keep the club up," he said. "From the start the balance of the squad and the way it had been put together led me to believe it would struggle.
"There were a lot of inexperienced players and a real lack of leaders on the pitch, and when it came to difficult moments there was really nobody out there to pull the younger players through.
"Even some of the older lads and the ones who were on loan haven't played many games for their age and I think that lack of experience showed."