Walsall midfielder Mark Bradley hopes the club’s rigorous pre-season regime can give them a headstart over their League One rivals.

The players should be ready to hit the ground running when they report for pre-season training on Thursday, having already completed five ‘fitness maintenance’ days under orders of boss Chris Hutchings.

Bradley revealed it is the first time the Walsall players have completed such a schedule, since they challenged for the play-offs under Richard Money two seasons ago.

The Saddlers’ promotion bid eventually fizzled out on that occasion, but the Wales under-21 star hopes it can be the catalyst for them going one better this time around.

He said: “We have had some maintenance days at the club. We have had to do five days out of the 10 to keep up our fitness. We’ve been training with the youth team.

“We did it once under Richard Money and that was the season we almost reached the play-offs. We are hoping it will give us a headstart and keep everyone clear of injuries.

“I do not set goals but we just want to get off to a good start. Then we can push on towards the play-offs.

“I’m feeling good. It will be good to get back.

“I like to try and keep myself in shape during the close season and the sessions have been really helpful.”