James O'Connor: New-boys help Walsall
Defender James O'Connor believes Walsall's new signings have helped shake the disappointment of missing out on promotion.
The Saddlers begin the new League One campaign on Saturday having missed out on place in the Championship by a single point last season.
Since then a host of first team players have departed with boss Jon Whitney completely revamping his squad over the summer.
Now a new quest to reach English football's second tier is about to begin - with O'Connor believing the new arrivals will ensure another exciting season is on the cards.
He said: "After losing to Barnsley in the play-offs, there was obviously huge disappointment.
"So to have a huge over-turn in players this summer has been quite refreshing actually.
"New faces and new ideas keeps things exciting both for the players individually and as a team.
"We are now all looking forward to what we can do this year. Every club's aim at the start of the season should be to finish as high as possible and hopefully get promotion.
"That is what we will all be working hard to achieve."
One new player who has really caught the eye in pre-season is creative schemer Erhun Oztumer, who was snapped up from Peterborough.
O'Connor was particularly pleased to see the 25-year-old arrive after naming him in his League One Team of the Year last season.
The commanding centre-back said: "I think he is an excellent player. When we signed him I was delighted.
"He has been in my Team of the Year the past few seasons. Although I haven't told him that yet!
"I think he is an exciting player who can unlock defences. Hopefully, he will produce the goods for us."
Despite the large turnaround in players, Walsall have largely kept the spine of their team.
O'Connor is set to line-up alongside goalkeeper Neil Etheridge and defensive linchpin Adam Chambers once again.
The 31-year-old reckons all three players are embracing their roles as elder statesman in the side.
He added: "We have got a big responsibility. We are the more experienced players and we have all been at the club a bit longer. We are all trying to embrace that role.
"We have tried to make it as easy as possible for the new lads to settle in, so they have the best possible chance to perform as they can."
