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.

Published
Josh Ginnelly leads the way as Saddlers put in the hard yards in training

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.