Central defender Jason De Vos has returned to the club to start his 2005/06 preparations a week before pre-season training officially gets under way. The former Canada skipper says he is impressed with boss Joe Royle's summer acquisitions.

De Vos told the club site that players don't look forward to pre-season training: "Nobody enjoys pre-season, it's hard work. There's no getting away from that.

"But our fitness coach, Simon Thadani, and Willie Donachie gave each of us a programme so we could keep in shape during the break. Gone are the days when you could come back for pre-season unfit."

De Vos has faced both Nicky Forster and Sam Parkin during his career and says they impressed him: "It will be another tough season, but the manager has done brilliantly to bring in Sam and Nicky.

"I have played against both of them and they are excellent players.

"I think it's a good strategy actually, to sign all the players who always score against us!"

Photo: Action Images

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