Dean Spanos has said that the San Diego Chargers' 2013 team is younger and faster than last year.

Of the 53 players on the AFC West side's active roster, 23 have joined during the off-season.

The team's president told Chargers.com: "I think the single biggest difference going into this season obviously is we have 23 new players of the 53 man squad coming in.

"It's a younger team by far, a faster team. So it's quite a turnover but I think we still have a good core group of players in our organisation and on our team and I think we'll be very competitive.

"I'm excited. It's been a long off-season. Obviously an exciting off-season and I think an exciting pre-season. I know the players are ready for Monday night. The organisation is and I know the fans are so I'm excited."

The Chargers play the Houston Texans on Monday.

Written by
Sian Cowper