Dobson issues rallying cry
Walsall continue the countdown to League One tonight with captain Michael Dobson insisting: "We're not here to make up the numbers".
Richard Money's side travel to Stafford Rangers this evening for their second pre-season match with Dobson admitting fitness remains the number one goal.
But thoughts are already turning to the start of the new season, and Dobson believes the new-look Saddlers can make a splash again after last season's League Two championship.
"I think the first goal is to really make a big push in this league and show teams that we've not just come up to make the numbers up," said Dobson, who will retain the captain's armband after becoming the first Saddlers skipper in 47 years to lift a championship trophy.
"If we pull together and do the right things we can be a promising outfit.
"We can't be individuals, but if we pull together I'm sure the rest will take care of itself."
Money is expected to take a strong side to Stafford, although he could hold back some of his senior men for the next pre-season game at Halesowen tomorrow.
They will arrive at Marston Road looking to build on Sunday's goalless draw at Worcester, when Money changed his entire outfield line-up at half-time.
More wholesale changes are anticipated tonight, with Dobson admitting that results do not matter greatly just yet.
"It means a lot more when you get closer to your season," he said. "The first couple of matches are more about your fitness, as the gaffer showed at Worcester.
"He just put out two mixed teams and it's all about getting some match action under your belt.
"Keeping a clean sheet was nice because they had played a couple more games than us.
"Fitness is looking good and that's the main thing at this point in time.
"We haven't done a lot of tactical stuff yet but that will come in the next few weeks."
Walsall squad numbers for the new season:
1 Clayton Ince, 2 Rhys Weston, 3 Daniel Fox, 4 Danny Sonner, 5 Anthony Gerrard, 6 Ian Roper, 7 Darren Wrack, 8 Michael Dobson, 9 Martin Butler, 10 Tommy Mooney, 11 Paul Hall, 12 Ishmel Demontagnac, 13 Bertrand Bossu, 14 Carlos Carneiro, 15 Scott Dann, 16 Allan Picken, 17 Alex Nicholls, 18 Mark Bradley, 19 Troy Deeney, 20 Mannie Smith, 21 David McDermott.
The rest of the young professionals will receive squad numbers as and when they appear.
