“I’ve been looking forward to getting back into the routine following a relatively successful campaign last year. If we forget about the middle part and look at the start of the campaign it was a good few months and we then ended on a positive note.”

“I know the lads are itching to start again and we have a good plan for a mixed pre-season. We are looking at some new ways of training so the lads are in for some tough sessions. It will be the usual physical stuff with running and other physical elements.”

The head coach is also looking to a proven New Zealand training regime.

“We are also looking at ‘Zuu’ which the Kiwis have developed. It’s about bodyweight movements with high intensity cardiovascular training. We have a sports coach coming in to deliver that to the lads. We’re also looking to toughen things up in the boxing gym so it’s a mixed pre-season which will stand us in good stead.

“The aim is to be fighting fit by September when the season starts.”

The coach said he is looking forward to working with experienced players and new starters.

“We have one or two new players in the pipeline but also plenty of old hands. I know some players will be away on Nautical College duties but I’m pleased with the balance who have come along to training.”

Fleetwood start their North Lancashire/Cumbria season at home to Oldham on 2nd September.

IMAGE Steve Woodburn with club captain Ricky Newton at the start of pre-season