The build-up to the 2009-10 season will begin early for AFC Telford United – with voluntary training sessions starting next week.

But assistant manager Larry Chambers is putting no pressure on players to attend, admitting rest is key after a gruelling 66-game campaign that saw them ultimately miss out on promotion in the Blue Square North play-off final.

Club physio Rudy Farquharson will take the sessions, with the emphasis on making sure everyone is able to return to official pre-season training fit and raring to go.

“Rudy will be available for volunteer sessions from next week,” said Chambers. “They will mainly be for the lads like Stuart Whitehead who have had niggly little injuries.

“We don’t start properly until June 30 and a lot of the lads are going on holiday between now and then – I don’t think there will be many doing the individual sessions this year.

“It’s important they enjoy their time off. It’s been a long, tough season and the number of games we’ve played has been well documented. They need their rest now.”

Meanwhile, a report on the Nuneaton Town website yesterday stated that Telford left wing-back Simon Forsdick was set to sign a contract with the BGB Southern League club, where he was playing at the end of last season.

Chambers admitted today he was aware of those reports, but said he had still not spoken directly with the player since the end of the season.

By CHRIS HUDSON