Walsall return for pre-season
Walsall's stars returned to pre-season training today – just 19 days after their League One campaign ended.
The Saddlers squad, including Richard Taundry, Troy Deeney and Alex Nicholls, started their 2009-10 preparations at the Banks's Stadium as part of boss Chris Hutchings' assault on the division.
Every player has to complete 20 maintenance sessions between now and June 30 – a programme developed by physio Jon Whitney.
He reckons the training is vital in ensuring the players are in top condition.
He said: "There is a growing demand for players to take responsibility for their general health and fitness levels over the summer.
"The maintenance sessions are designed to maintain and monitor fitness levels so that the lads are ready go from the first day of pre-season.
"These sessions will give the players the strength and conditioning they need for pre-season training."
The squad will be given two weeks off in June before their full-time return on July 2 and the start of the season on August 8.
Walsall have already announced home friendlies with Wolves and Albion in July, along with a trip to Rotherham.
Whitney recognised the need for rest after a gruelling 50-game season, but insists returning now is best for the players.
He said: "Research has shown that after two weeks of inactivity, players can lose as much as 20 per cent of their fitness levels."
