Fitness first for AFC Telford's Liam Watson
AFC Telford United boss Liam Watson wants 'full-time fitness' from his players after confirming the squad will report back early for pre-season training.
The Bucks manager takes his first session on Saturday June 28, a week in advance from last year, Watson's first season in the New Bucks Head hot-seat.
The Telford chief knows preparation will be key as the club re-enter the Skrill Conference Premier, where over two-thirds of the league are full-time.
Watson's side train twice a week, a pattern that won't change but will be harnessed, to get the players at the peak of their powers for the new challenge.
He said: "If you want to prove yourself in a full-time league, the first thing you will need is those fitness levels. It won't be easy but it wasn't last year, either.
"I have a reputation for being extremely tough, in that respect, but my teams tend to come strong about Christmas.
"If we are where we need to be, at that stage, we are going to be a tough nut to crack in the second half of the season."
Watson's summer recruitment drive is taking shape, but he's only taking players committed to the cause and determined to succeed in non-league's top flight.
Hereford United defender Rod McDonald, Southport stopper Steve Akrigg, Witton Albion winger Josh Hancock and Grimsby Town goalkeeper Jonathan Hedge are all on board.
They join the 12 players staying from last season's Conference North title-winning team, with Watson keep to keep hold of the team spirit that led them to glory.
He said: "They have got to want to play for us at that level, I don't want to be taking cast offs or people who think they are doing you a favour by joining the club.
"I want the likes of Mike Grogan, who's been desperate to play in the Premier, and I know Telford fans like to see that sort of hunger from their team.
"People will say it's a young squad but Neill Byrne has a season's first-team experience under his belt now, where he played 40 out of 42 league games.
"Rod McDonald had a key role for Hereford and I am sure Steve Akrigg, if he didn't have those shoulder problems, would have stepped up another level.
"Chris Lever must have played well over 100 games in the Premier, Alan Moogan knows the level and Charlie Barnett has played in the Football League.
"When you look at the combined age in total, it's not very high but we do have experience."
