Walsall back into pre-season training
Expressandstar.com bring you the pictures from Essington as Walsall get stuck into their first full week of pre-season training for the League One season.
Walsall have announced their squad numbers for next season – with Darren Byfield handed the coveted No 9 shirt.
The striker, put through his paces with his team-mates in pre-season training today, has been given the main striker's number after wearing 27 last season.
New goalkeeper Jonny Brain takes the No 1 jersey while Matt Richards, who previously wore No 20, is given No 8 – highlighting his importance in Chris Hutchings' squad.
Darryl Westlake takes over Rhys Weston's vacant No 2 shirt, while new-boy Paul Marshall is given No 12.
Youngster Sean Geddes gets the No 20 shirt, with Clayton McDonald earning No 4.
The Saddlers have returned to Essington for pre-season training this week after fitness tests at Wolverhampton University.
Boss Hutchings has been pleased with the application of his squad – just under two weeks before their first friendly against Wolves at the Banks's Stadium on July 20.
He said: "I'm delighted with the way things are going. The boys are working hard and showing a good, professional attitude to everything that is being thrown at them.
"The fitness levels are good. We spent a couple of days at the University last week where the players were put through a series of gruelling tests and we have come back in a good state of health.
"We've tried to mix the sessions up to make them more enjoyable and interesting. Our physio Jon Whitney has been doing the fitness work, whilst there has also been some technical and ball work alongside a trip to the swimming baths.
"There is no easy way of getting fit at this time of the year, but the lads are putting everything into it and there is an excellent spirit in the camp."
Walsall squad numbers 2010/11: -
1 Jonny Brain, 2 Darryl Westlake, 4 Clayton McDonald, 6 Manny Smith, 7 Steve Jones, 8 Matt Richards, 9 Darren Byfield, 10 Troy Deeney, 11 Alex Nicholls, 12 Paul Marshall, 14 Richard Taundry. 19 Will Grigg, 20 Sean Geddes.
