Walsall's Sam Mantom pulling all of the stops

Walsall midfielder Sam Mantom believes his summer fitness programme will allow him to hit the ground running when the new season kicks off.

The creative schemer, who missed the majority of the 2014-15 campaign with a knee injury, was amongst a group of players who attended a "summer maintenance" training session this week.

Mantom was joined by the likes of Reece Flanagan, Matt Preston, Jordan Murphy and James O'Connor at the two day boot-camp, which has been designed by fitness coach Jon Whitney.

And the 23-year-old is making sure he follows every step of his pre-season program to ensure there is no repeat of the heartache he suffered last year.

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He said: "There were some dark days with the knee injury, days when I thought about giving up because I didn't know what was happening.

"But it's all sorted now, I'm enjoying my training and can't wait for the season to start again."Everyone had two weeks off after the season ended, pretty much doing nothing to allow the body to recover.

"Now, because I missed a large chunk of the season, I'm doing my own private programme where I work on things that I need to so I can be a step ahead of everyone and go into the new season flying."

As well as adding goals and assists to the Saddlers midfield, Mantom also hopes he can grow into a leader for Dean Smith's side next season.

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He said: "I spoke to the gaffer at the end of the season and it was interesting, because we both felt I'd become more of a leader.

"I was more respected when I hadn't been playing, because there was a period in the season when we were lacking in that area.

"That was a nice thing for the gaffer to say and it's something I can build on, knowing I've got the full support of the players and staff."