Adam Chambers is excited by Walsall opener

Saddlers boss Jon Whitney often hailed his team as the fittest in League One last season and has been busy putting his players through their paces over the past few weeks.

Now they get to start to the see the fruits of their labour when they play Norwich in a behind-closed-doors friendly tomorrow.

The match is being staged at the National Football Centre at St George's Park.

And with six new players having arrived and eight opting to move on, Chambers accepts this pre-season is even more important than those in year's gone by.

"Pre-season has been tough," the captain said.

"We've done a lot of hard work to get us ready for the start of the season.

"We know what's coming and we are looking forward to the games starting.

"All pre-seasons are important because players come and go each summer.

"Obviously this season it's perhaps more so than in previous years. But we will be ready.

"We just have to make sure we put in the work and we are ready to go for the first game."

As part of his pre-season program, Chambers has teamed up to work alongside new recruit George Dobson.

The 18-year-old West Ham loanee also likes to operate in a defensive midfield position.

But Chambers has also backed the youngster to make an impression going forward.

"I don't think he (Dobson) is as defensive as me," he joked.

"He looks a talented lad and they think highly of him at West Ham.

"I've spent some time with him in training already and I can see the talent he has. Hopefully he will make a big impact.

"All the new players have settled in well. We have some real quality and we are a confident bunch.

"We are looking to keep progressing."