Walsall Head Coach Michael Flynn has spoken ahead of the club's season-opening clash with Hartlepool United, and is expecting a competitive League Two campaign.
After a shortened, though busy, pre-season, the Saddlers kick-off their campaign at home to the Pools and Flynn is keen to hit the ground running and lay down a marker for the season ahead.
Looking at the game in particular Flynn believes the visitors will pose a threat and believes his side will need to be at their best if they are to take anything from the opening game of the season.
Speaking via the club's official website, Michael said; "Hartlepool aren’t going to come here and rollover, they’ve made a lot of new signings as well.
"Paul will be looking to get off to a good start and like I said, there is no points given in this league or any league so it’s going to be a tough, competitive league throughout all year.
"Even the best teams, the bigger team will have ups and downs but we’ve just got to make sure we find that consistent level where we put runs together and if we lose, we come back and show what we’re made of.
"That’s what pre-season is for – building up and getting ready for this. It’s the business part of the season, the beginning is important. Everyone wants to get off to a good start.
"First game of the season, everybody has the ambition of winning the league and being promoted. We want to make sure the squad is settled; we know we can still improve in areas.
"It will be a work in progress because of the number of signings that we’ve brought in and we’re still looking for more. I’m excited for this season."