THE SADDLERS' pre-season preparations step up a pace this weekend as we face a behind-closed-doors game against Championship outfit, Barnsley before playing host to Wolves, Coventry City and Aston Villa in the space of seven days next week.

"I am very pleased with the way that things are going," said manager, Chris Hutchings. "The existing lads have looked after themselves whilst they have been away and come back with a good fitness level, whilst the new boys have settled into the group well.

"Things are starting to come together; it takes time, but we have worked hard behind the scenes and this is now paying off.

"John Whitney has worked very hard on the fitness side of things, whilst myself, Martin O'Connor and David Hamilton have been working on the technical side.

"We have a behind-closed-doors game on Saturday as we work towards the three home friendlies that are coming up over the next week or so.

"They will be tough matches, but hopefully we can put in a performance for the supporters. Of course we want to win, but it's all about building towards the opening game of the season on August 7th.

"That said, winning breeds confidence and we are looking forward to the games."

The club has made another key signing this summer by taking advantage of the service offered by ProZone, the performance analysis system used by the top clubs in the world. "Having ProZone on board is a massive bonus for us," added Hutchings. "It's a great tool to have and I have no doubt that it will help us enormously."

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