Walsall attacker Alex Nicholls isn’t fazed by hard work as the team prepare to return for pre-season this week.

Before Albion and Villa have even finished their seasons, the Saddlers start their 2009/10 preparations on Thursday.

While they are not returning for full training, each player has to complete 20 sessions before their summer plans begin in earnest on Thursday July 2.

It means the Saddlers will have been training almost a month before the League One fixtures come out on Wednesday June 17.

But Nicholls admits staying in shape is vital to any hopes of success the club have under boss Chris Hutchings.

The player said: “Gone are the days when you can have two months off doing nothing, come back for pre-season and do it all then.

“You have to stay active over the close season and come back to hit the ground running. That’s what I’ve always done and I’ll do again this time.

“You do need to get the balance right between work and rest. Have a break, work and then in the last week tone it down a bit ready for pre-season to start.”