DARREN Moore insists his Albion side will lay strong foundations for a demanding campaign over the coming weeks - starting on Tuesday when the Baggies travel to Portugal.
The first-team squad returned to the Palm Training Ground on Monday morning for testing and will now fly to Faro for a six-day training camp.
And the Club's Head Coach says his players will reap the rewards for their hard work during pre-season.
"This week is an important one as it will allow us to assess where the players are at physically," said Darren.
"Clearly I'll be asking them to put in the hard yards and we all know that hard work over the coming weeks will stand the players in good stead for this season.
"It is more important than ever that the players are in the best possible shape fitness-wise. The Championship has a challenging schedule and it's one we will need to be prepared for.
"This week will also be an opportunity to bring the players together and further strengthen the team spirit that served us so well at the end of last season."