SADDLERS' front-man, Darren Byfield has stressed the importance of a good pre-season as he targets a successful 2010/11 campaign.

"We're back in for a few days next week to calculate all our fitness levels and then I'm having a little break in the UK with the kids," he said. "I'm having a holiday in Marbella and spending a bit of time in Barcelona but nothing major.

"I can't wait for next season to be honest. I said a few times last year that I missed my pre-season last time around, so I want to make sure I get a good one under my belt this time.

"It's ridiculous just how important a good pre-season is. If you don't have a proper pre-season, it takes its toll during the season.

"Even the best players in the world rely on a good pre-season. I just want to be fit and strong and ready to have a really good season. I'm going to start training a couple of weeks before we are due back so that I've got my core fitness."