Walsall goalkeeper Mark Gillespie has spoken to the local press ahead of this weekend's season-opening clash with Bury, and has discussed the importance of hitting the ground running in the early stages of the campaign.
25-year-old Gillespie, who joined the Saddlers after almost a decade with Carlisle United, has made over one-hundred and eighty first-team appearances since turning professional in 2010 and is keen for his team to stay focussed as the season gets underway.
Mark, who was speaking via the Express & Star, said; "We’re all really excited for the season. We are ready to go. You can play as many friendlies as you want but you can’t replicate that feeling of standing in the tunnel before the league season kicks off.
"At this time of year everyone is setting targets, whether it’s to finish in the play-offs or the top half. But we are concentrating on making sure we have a good start.
"That is the most important thing because it then sets you up for the whole campaign. The long-term goal is to finish in the top six. But you can’t look too far head. It’s all about the first six to 10 games and putting yourself in a position to build.
"I’ve been in situations where I have had really good starts. I’ve also been in sides where we haven’t started as well. I definitely know which is better. We’re all excited, we’ve all put the work in. But it means nothing if we don’t produce results on the field."