Express & Star

Walsall are put through pre-season paces - PICTURES and VIDEO

Walsall’s players reported for the first day of pre-season training – as boss Dean Keates ramped up preparations for his first full season in charge.

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The Saddlers squad returned to their Essington base yesterday with Keates putting his players through a series of fitness drills.

Among those reporting for duty were new signings Zeli Ismail, Josh Ginnelly, Andy Cook and Chris Dunn.

WATCH: Joe Masi and Nathan Judah discuss Walsall's pre-season preparations from Essington

The Express & Star also understands there were three players in attendance who Keates has invited in for a trial, with the boss still on the hunt for new signings ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.

Walsall face Rushall Olympic at Dales Lane in their first friendly of the summer a week on Friday.

But fans could face a dilemma as to whether they attend with England potentially playing in the quarter-finals of the World Cup that night if Gareth Southgate’s side make it that far.