Manager Jon Whitney says his Walsall side will benefit from the training maintenance sessions he has held over the summer.
Several of the club’s under-23s, as well as senior players including James O’Connor and Flo Cuvelier, came in to the club’s Essington training ground last week to maintain their fitness levels following holidays ahead of the squad’s return to full pre-season training later this month.
Whitney, along with his coaching staff, oversaw the sessions and believes they will give his squad the best chance of returning to pre-season in better condition to kick on.
“They’re going really well and they’re beneficial,” Whitney said.
“It gives me a chance to get in touch with my staff as well so John Ward is in, Neil Cutler, Ian Sharps and Calum Hayes too.
“We keep familiar with each other through the close season and it’s important for many aspects but mainly for the maintenance levels, so we don’t de-train too much.
“Hopefully when the season starts we can hit the ground running and get a head-start.”
And these sessions will hopefully include some very practical benefits ahead of the 2017/18 Sky Bet League One campaign.
“The biggest and most important thing is you get reduced injuries,” added Whitney.
“That’s key. If you complete a pre-season then you’ve got a much better chance of having a better season as well as playing more games.
‘It’s key that we start the (younger lads) and get them used to our work ethic, and John Ward will play a big part in that by just chatting to them.
“We chat to them about general football and off-field things.
“It enables us to get a connection to these young players before they come into the first-team roles.”