SIMON GRAYSON says the P factor has created a real buzz at pre-season training.
Town’s manager will put his players through their paces once again today as they build towards a week of double sessions and an opening friendly at Guiseley next Saturday.
“There’s no doubt that winning promotion has put a real spring in the step of the players,” said Grayson, whose side were Wembley winners in their League I play-off final clash with Sheffield United seven weeks ago and have their eagerly-awaited Championship opener at Cardiff on Friday, August 17.
“Playing in the Championship is a fantastic challenge for us all and the players are eager to take it on.
“They’ve come back rested and refreshed but in good shape, and that means we’ve been able to get the footballs out straight away.
“Pre-season will be tough, but it’s not the slog it used to be and the aim is to get to the first competitive match (Preston away in the first round of the Capital One Cup on Monday, August 13) with everyone fresh and fully fit.”
Midfielder Scott Arfield (ankle) was the only member of Grayson’s 33-strong senior squad to return on Thursday carrying an injury, and the boss, who has signed five new players so far, is hopeful he will be back inside a fortnight.
“You always get little knocks and niggles, but the aim is to make sure there are as few as possible,” added Grayson, who has been working closely with new physio James Haycock and fitness coach Tom Little.
“You have to work the players in pre-season, because it forms a vital platform for what lies ahead, but not over-work them, and hopefully, we’ll get that balance right.”
Town have confirmed the addition of ex-Oldham striker Frankie Bunn to their academy coaching staff.
The 49-year-old, who also played for Luton and Hull and has coached at Newcastle and Manchester City, will work alongside Tony Carss with the 16-18 age group.
