Striker Alan Lee has started his recovery after undergoing a groin operation last week. The Ireland international struggled with the injury towards the end of last season with an injection failing to provide the answer to the problem.

Fitness coach Simon Thadani told the club site: "Alan will be convalescing for a week or two before beginning his rehab with the physio team.

"He will start with general strengthening work and, if all goes to plan and his recovery is on course, he will start running with me from about July 10th.

"It's very much down to how his recovery goes but we are hopeful he will be close to full fitness by the end of July, start of August."

Also recovering from surgery is defender Aidan Collins who has had a knee operation. The 19-year-old was released at the end of 2005/06 but along with fellow centre-half Gerard Nash has been handed the chance to impress the club's new management team in pre-season.

Town's preparations for 2006/07 officially start on Monday but already Ian Westlake, Fabian Wilnis, Sam Parkin, Jason De Vos, Danny Haynes, Gavin Williams, Matt Richards and Scott Barron are back working on their fitness.

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