MANAGER Peter Jackson has set Nathan Clarke the target of staying fit for the whole of this season.
It's a big year for the 20-year-old centre-back, because not only does he have to prove he's over ankle surgery and win back his first-team place, but his contract is due to expire next summer.
Clarke, who was previously hampered by illness and knee injuries for the best part of 18 months, made a big impact last term with seven man-of-the-match awards in his 29 appearances.
He wasn't quite fit enough to be considered for the play-off final against Mansfield despite returning to full training the previous week, but is geared to a closed-season training programme which should pay dividends.
"It's a big pre-season for Nathan because it's important he gets right back to full fitness and stays fit for the next 12 months," said Jackson as he led his squad into day three of pre-season.
"If he can avoid the injuries and illnesses which have dogged him in the past he can clearly make an immense contribution.
"He has been away for a short break, but he is determined to make sure he's absolutely right and, hopefully, that will set him up for what is going to be another wonderful season for the club."
Clarke was the only player already on Town's books when Jackson took charge whose terms were not extended during last season.
He will be out of contract next summer along with Efe Sodje, Steve Yates, Tony Carss and Ian Gray.
Adnan Ahmed, John McCombe and Joe Walsh were given one-year deals by the manager while all the other players are contracted for two.
"At the start of last season I didn't think Nathan would be able to play before Christmas for the first team," added Jackson.
"Due to injury and illness he even struggled when he played in the Reserves, but when I put him in the side against Southend in early October he never looked back and just got better and better.
"I remember one drag-back against York which you don't see Premiership players attempting, so he's got a lot of quality as well as being brave, quick and strong in the air.
"He also uses the ball well, so he's a terrific player for us and his younger brother Tom, who is coming into the Academy next month, looks like being a chip off the old block."
