Saddlers manager Darrell Clarke believes that re-entering the Central (Reserve) League will have benefits for everyone associated with the club.
Clarke opted to go back into the Central League after a one-year absence, the club announced at the end of May, and he revealed his aim to get some of the clubs scholars playing development level football by the end of the year.
“You need to get minutes into the boys that aren’t playing as much football,” said Clarke.
“I think you can’t afford to be playing catch up when the league games come round so the match fitness is a very important thing.
“Also, we want to get to the stage this season where we are starting to produce our own players as well and certainly getting some of the scholars playing in the reserve games and mixing in with the first team boys because it is important.
“Match fitness is also key, anybody in the game will tell you that and I am no different.
“It will be good for us to have the option of a reserve fixture but we don’t want to over-cook the games because we won’t have a massive squad.
“We want to make sure there are enough games there so people are getting plenty of minutes when they need them the most.”
