Albion's deposed captain Charlie Oatway is committing himself to days of hard graft in an effort to regain his place.

The players reported for pre-season training this week, with Oatway eager to force his way back into the midfield battleground.

"I love my job but this is the time of year that I think to myself is it all worth it?" Oatway admitted.

"It's a horrible time, but you just have to put yourself through it. You want to achieve your best and the only way is to get a good pre-season behind you, try not to miss any days and start the season off.

"It's very important and pre-season is done well here. We go into three groups, fast, middle and the boys not so good like me! You get as fit as you can, then extra fitness through games."

Albion's hectic programme of friendlies kicks off at Worthing in just ten days time.

Gary Hart is unlikely to figure at Woodside Road due to ankle trouble related to the broken leg he suffered at Peterborough at the end of April, but assistant Bob Booker says the rest will be raring to go.

"The summer break is completely different now to what it used to be. Players look after themselves more now and come back in reasonable shape.

"Nobody reported in injured through the summer and we have a clean bill of health except for Harty. He should be okay for the start of the season. We have just got to take it a bit easy with him."

Oatway was left out by ex-boss Peter Taylor for the Second Division title run-in. Nowhere will competition be fiercer for places than in the centre of the park. Albion already have six players fighting for two spots, not to mention any signings the new manager might make.

"That's what you want," Oatway said. "We are going to need that going into the First Division.

"We've got to replace players like Simon Morgan, because he was such a big brick in our back four. I know for a fact that Bob, Hinsh (Martin Hinshelwood) are on the case and the chairman.

"Hopefully we will start to see some new faces to build the squad up for the first game of the season."

Striking support for Bobby Zamora is a priority, especially now that Lee Steele has completed a Bosman free transfer to Third Division Oxford United.

The enigmatic Liverpudlian was the only player apart from Zamora to reach double figures last season.

Huddersfield made a late move for Steele, but he wanted to join forces again with former Albion team-mate and Oxford skipper Andy Crosby.

"I talked to Andy and he played a big part," Steele revealed. "He told me about the plans for the club and I'm pleased to be part of those plans."