Tom Bradshaw is infectious for Walsall
He's the man that Saddlers' fans pin their hopes on more than any other player.
But Tom Bradshaw couldn't be more optimistic ahead of the season opener against Oldham.
Last season's top scorer, who netted 20 times in just 37 games, is adamant Walsall have the credentials needed to mount a Championship charge.
And the striker admits he can't wait for the action to get back under way, saying: "For me, this is the most positive I have ever felt in my career.
"I really believe we will be competing at the right end of League One. Everyone is in good form, knows what is expected and is solely focused on winning promotion."
Bradshaw can see a big improvement in this side compared to the one that started the 2014-15 campaign.
He said: "In pre-season we have been very strong and gave both Villa and Albion a really good run for their money. I feel we have improved dramatically since last season.
"And I think the fans saw that in both those games and in the win at Luton. Now we just need to make sure we go out and do it when it matters and that means beating Oldham tomorrow."
The Latics arrive at the Banks's with Dean Smith having drilled into his players how important it is to make a flying start to the campaign.
Walsall failed to win any of their first six league fixtures last season, forcing them to play catch-up early on.
The 23-year-old said: "A good start is vital and that is something the boss has spoken to us about.
"It's so important to hit the ground running because there are lot of games in quick succession."
While the opening day is often a case of entering the unknown, both Walsall and Oldham met in the penultimate game of last season – a match the Saddlers won 2-0 thanks to two Bradshaw goals.
He said: "Oldham have got a few new faces but the bulk of the squad is the same. But even the players that have come in, they are ones we have seen or played against in the past. There aren't any surprises.
"I bagged a couple against them and if you score goals against a club it sticks in your memory. I'd take exactly the same result tomorrow."
Sure to be a marked man, Bradshaw insists the pressure of leading the Saddlers' line doesn't affect him.
He added: "As a striker you are always under pressure to score goals – that comes naturally with the job. I enjoy that pressure.
"As a striker, you have to be able to perform under those circumstances. My target last year was to get 15 so to get 20 was beyond my expectations. Hopefully, I can go even better this season."
