Midfielder Gavin Williams and striker Dean Bowditch are already working on their fitness ahead of the new season. The duo have had groin problems throughout the season and are working under the guidance of Copenhagen-based specialist Per Holmich.

Boss Jim Magilton told the club site: "We are back for pre-season a few weeks earlier than usual and it's important that we have as many players as possible ready to go from day one.

"Gavin and Dean have both seen a top specialist and are now working with our medical people on their rehab through the summer.

"They will have time to rest as well and recharge their batteries but we want them to be as close as possible to being on the same programme of fitness as the others."

Holmich will assess the pair's progress over the course of the next few weeks, although Bowditch may still require surgery. The former England U19 international has hardly played football at any level since the end of last year after picking up the injury during his loan spell at Brighton.

Also aiming to get back to fitness before the start of pre-season training on June 12th are Jason De Vos, Sylvain Legwinski and Richard Naylor. All three missed the end of 2006/07 with foot injuries.

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