The Town squad began pre-season in earnest at Playford Road this morning and TWTD’s photographer was there to catch them being put through their paces by manager Mick McCarthy, his assistant Terry Connor and fitness coach Andy Liddell.

McCarthy was pleased to be back at the training ground, even if it didn’t feel that long since the end of last season

“It does come round quickly, doesn’t it? My feelings are as always, excitement, looking forward to it, glad to get back into work, get back into training and see the lads.”

The squad will spend this week at Playford Road before travelling to Ireland for their now traditional week at the Carton House Hotel in Co Kildare.

“We’ll be in the dome this afternoon, we’ve got a fabulous new surface in there, that 4G pitch is brilliant,” McCarthy added. “That was quite exciting to see that, it had just worn away, it does after so long, it’s been awful.

“That was good, so we’ll be doing some weights in there and we’ll just have the ball out, which we would never have done on the other one.

“It’s great, so we’ll be in there this afternoon. It won’t be chasing it around and tackling or shooting, it’ll just be technical skills.”

Skipper Luke Chambers (minor niggle), new signing Adam Webster (ankle), Giles Coke (who is returning from knee surgery) and Jonas Knudsen (returning from the knee problem he suffered late last season) weren’t involved this morning but have been working in the gym, while striker Daryl Murphy and midfielder Kevin Bru have been given additional time off as they have been on international duty.

Bru will join up with the squad for the Ireland trip and Murphy once they have returned on the Tuesday after the opening friendly against Shelbourne at Tolka Park on Saturday 9th July.

The development squad and a number of the new season’s second-year academy scholars joined the senior pros for this morning's session.

Photos: Richard Calver

Photo: Action Images

KingPablo added 14:34 - Jun 28 Some fantastic pictures however i did have to do a double-take on the very first picture as i though Frank Nouble had rejoined us!
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Jimmy86 added 14:42 - Jun 28 Suprise, suprise, at least 1 pic with a Hyam running his hand through his Barnet!!
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Bluebell added 15:24 - Jun 28 Some fantastic photos there. Who took them? Looks like Skusey is in need of some Grecian 2000 on his hair! Lovely to see them back and in training again. Makes the new season seem closer. Roll on August 6th.
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brian_a_mul added 16:41 - Jun 28 Bish looks alot stronger, lets hope he has benefited from last seasons lay off. Could be awesome for us in midfield with his quick feet to get round players and his strength to hold off challanges and retain position. Where is Didz?
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TractorCam added 17:31 - Jun 28 ^ Didz is in the first photo.
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neil1968 added 22:11 - Jun 28 God Douglas is there
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MarkFish added 00:05 - Jun 29 It's like Groundhog Day. Relegation looms .
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Fen69 added 06:15 - Jun 29 Is Gherkins leg tattooed so he remembers which foot to kick with?
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WeWereZombies added 14:08 - Jun 29 Pitman is going to carry on starting from the bench if he gets snapped checking if it is home time again.
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Seasider added 17:38 - Jun 29 Thought I saw Stewart in one of the pics?
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