Saddlers 'in good shape' after freeze

Walsall assistant manager Martin O'Connor has insisted the big freeze has left the team stronger and has acted as a second pre-season.

The Saddlers have called in favours from Birmingham and Albion to use their training facilities with Essington frozen.

And assistant boss O'Connor reckons the Saddlers arenow fitter than before.

He said: "Their fitness levels have increased. We've tried to give them as much football and fitness work combined in this second pre-season."