Jimmy Mullen insists results are not the defining factor as he mastermind's Walsall's pre-season preparations ahead of the new campaign.The Saddlers boss welcomes neighbours Aston Villa to the Banks's Stadium on Tuesday night having already registered victories over Hednesford Town and Worcester City.

But while he recognises everyone wants to win games, no matter how important, he is also quick to point out there are much more important factors to bring into consideration before the campaign gets underway.

"I've been at football clubs where they've had a fantastic pre-season, probably won every game and then come the league season they've not had the best of times," he said.

"I've also been at football clubs where they couldn't win a game or kick a ball in anger pre-season and then got off to a fantastic start in the league. So I don't read too much into it (results) because, as I say, I've seen both sides of it

"The main thing from my point of view is that we get the fitness into the players and team spirit built up to such a degree that when we do go into our first league game we give ourselves every chance to start well."

More Football News from TEAMtalk