Walsall midfielder Sam Mantom's summer of hard graft

Walsall's Sam Mantom will give up his summer break and take part in an intensive fitness programme to avoid a repeat of this season's injury hell.

The midfielder, who made just four appearances this season until March because of a knee problem, will spend most of the close season at the Saddlers' training ground to gear up for the start of pre-season.

"I am not going away much," said the 23-year-old.

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"I am only going away for a few days just before the start of pre-season, but most of May and June I will be spending with the fitness coach here, Dean Harris.

"I'll be doing a lot of power and fitness work so I can go back into the season absolutely flying and stronger than ever before.

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"It's quite weird because I feel quite fresh now and ready to play every game but the season is ending.

"My knee is really good, my fitness feels fine and I'm just looking forward to playing my part now and being back in the squad, which I've missed a lot."