Smith delighted with work ethic from the players...
SADDLERS’ boss, Dean Smith, is happy with the progress that is being made and the application that is being displayed by the players on our pre-season training camp in sunny Devon.
“We’ve had a couple of tough sessions, but the lads have responded well to them,” he said. “Monday was a particularly hard-working and physical day with a morning session on the training ground and the afternoon in the gym, but we got a lot out of it.
“The players have mingled well, which has been pleasing, and we’ve set them a few teamwork tasks. This is a good group of lads; we’ve chosen their characteristics carefully and they are showing a tremendous work ethic where they want to better themselves and improve.
“This week is a good chance for the new lads and younger boys to mix in. I feel it’s important to do this kind of thing at this time of the year and it’s been enjoyable so far.
“The only downside has been that Ben Purkiss turned his ankle, which will put him out for a couple of weeks. It was one of those things that happens, but he returned to pre-season in good shape, so it won’t take him long to get back into it.
“We’re now building up to Wednesday’s game at Taunton Town where all of the lads, with the exception of Ben and Sam Mantom – who has a slight knee problem – will get some minutes under their belt.
“Like Wigan on Friday, I’m expecting another competitive game for us.”