Joe Davis, has claimed that fitness is the key to succeeding in League Two as Port Vale head towards their first league game of the season.

The 23-year old is a new addition to Michael Brown’s side after joining from Fleetwood and the defender is now looking forward to his second spell at Vale Park.

During Joe’s first spell at the club, Vale secured promotion to League One back in 2013, so he knows that fitness will go a long way this season.

“Fitness is massive, we had a really fit team that season under Micky Adams”, said Davis.

“We have had a tough regime and I think it’s really important. You don’t really appreciate it at the time but in the long run you get a lot out of yourself.

“Against Derby, we were up against a good team and they have a lot of miles in their legs so we’re getting better and better each day, so I think the fitter we get – the better we will be.”

The centre-back also told local media that he has enjoyed pre-season and hopes that all the hard-work will pay off, ready for the first game against Crawley Town.

He said: “Pre-season has been good. The lads have looked really good as we get fitter by the day.

“You know what the gaffer was like as a player, he was really fit so I think he wants us all to get up to that sort of standard and it sets us up nicely for the season; in a league where, I believe, the top teams are always the fitter ones.

“It gives us an opportunity to do well. The fitter we are, I think the better we will do.”