Liam Roberts: Walsall improving through pre-season

The Saddlers contest their last friendly of the summer tomorrow when they travel to take on Cheltenham at Whaddon Road.

They enter the game with manager Dean Keates still on the hunt for players with at least three signings expected before the League One clash with Plymouth next weekend.

But while new recruits are still to arrive, Roberts believes the Saddlers have had a positive pre-season, with the players now fully aware what Keates expects from them.

“We have got better throughout pre-season – without a doubt,” Roberts said.

“There has been a big improvement – 100 per cent.

“We have had a few trialists in and the gaffer is still looking for players.

“But he has still been able to implement what he wants for the season.

“Training has been really focused on shape and things like that. We’ve been working on distances and where we need to be with and without the ball.

“Now we have got just one friendly left. But we have learned so much – we are tightening up and will be ready for Plymouth on the opening day.”

Walsall’s standout result of pre-season saw them secure a 2-0 win over Dutch giants Ajax.

And Roberts admits the victory gave everyone a lift.

“It’s a European giant and we beat them,”he added.

“We put in a really good team performance.

“Fitness is important but it’s always nice to come out with a positive result.

“The result is a massive confidence boost and we can take that into Cheltenham now.”