Town's pre-season is starting earlier than in previous years with the players returning on June 27th. The first few days will see mainly muscle-loosening exercises while the next week will see a five-day training camp at The Royal Hospital School at Holbrook.

Town used the school's facilities last year and the players were impressed. Simon Thadani, the club's fitness coach, will take most of the sessions as the players' fitness is assessed. Thadani has already been working with a few members of the squad.

After the spell at Holbrook the squad will move on to Goodwood where they will work on players' general fitness.

July 16th and 18th see the club's traditional Scandinavian friendlies against AaB Aalborg and Farum Boldklub. Town will be based at Farum, close to Copenhagen, flying to Aalborg for the first game.

Away friendlies against Bristol Rovers, Bristol City, Barnet and Brentford follow, as well as a home game against continental opposition, likely to be Celta Vigo, on August 3rd. The new season proper starts on the following Saturday at Walsall.

Matt Holland will miss much of pre-season after his World Cup exploits. He will be on holiday with his family in early July.

Darren Bent, Matt Bloomfield, and possibly Darren Ambrose, could be away with the England U19s from July 21st to 28th. The England side are involved in the UEFA U19 Championship in Norway.

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