Sam Mantom: My fitness woes are in the past

Star midfielder Sam Mantom insists his injury woes are behind him as he prepares to play a leading role in Walsall's promotion push.

Having missed the vast majority of last season with a knee injury, Mantom returned to pre-season training last week after putting himself through a relentless summer fitness programme.

The 23-year-old impressed his team-mates after coming out on top in a series of challenges set by fitness coach Jon Whitney.

And now the creative schemer can't wait for the season.

"All summer I have been focused on my own fitness, my own body and getting it right," he said.

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"I wanted to make sure I came back in the best shape possible and so far, so good.

"I've been working with Dean Harris (strength and conditioning coach) closely. We have been working on lots of specific things and I've enjoyed every minute of it.

"Every day we have gone in, had a plan and got the work done.

"The team has only been back a few days but I feel great, I feel I have set myself up nicely for the season and now I can't wait for it all to get started."

Having worked himself back into full fitness, Mantom is now targeting individual and team honours for the 2015/16 season.

"I won player of the season two years ago and it was really disappointing not to be able to defend that," he said.

"That's why I have worked so hard, I want to be in the best possible shape to show the fans I deserve that award again.

"It really would be great to win it, but the team comes first. There are going to be a few more additions so I'm really looking forward to getting the whole squad together and seeing what we can do as a group.

"Every footballer wants to win prizes and in promotion is one of the biggest things you can win – that is the ultimate aim."