MICK DOCHERTY expects to have itchy feet well before Thursday, July 3 comes around.

That’s the date Town players return for pre-season training – and the new coach can’t wait to get cracking.

But the 57-year-old, whose appointment to work with manager Stan Ternent and his right-hand man Ronnie Jepson was announced yesterday, intends to use the time between now and then to good effect.

He’ll work with Ternent and Jepson to set out the training schedules, carry out research on the existing squad and do whatever he can to help Ternent bring in new blood.

“Both Ronnie and myself have got recent experience of League I from our time together at Gillingham, and I’ve seen a fair bit of Championship football at Burnley this season,” explained Docherty, who started his playing career at Turf Moor and was on the management staff there of both Frank Casper (1989-91) and Ternent (1998-2004).

All told, he has 28 years of coaching experience, starting at Sunderland, where his playing career was cut short by injury, and the former full-back intends to put it to good use with Town.

“Things have moved fast, so we’ve still got a few things to sort out in terms of who will do what,” explained Docherty.

“But the three of us had a long spell of working together at Burnley, so we know each other’s strengths and are used to bouncing ideas off each other.

“When it comes to players, we’re of the same mind. We’re looking for a bit of character, strong minds and controlled footballing aggression – and if they’ve got some ability that helps!

“I’m happy to whatever the manager asks of me, and I know he’s said he wants me to have input in ensuring the youngsters coming through from the academy maintain their development.

“Like most coaches, I’m happiest when I’m out there on the training ground, whether it’s with junior or senior players.

“I have to admit there’s an element of frustration that I can’t even meet the lads at this stage.

“July 3 seems a long time off, but I’m sure we’ll use the intervening time profitably and be ready to get straight down to business.

“It’s a five-and-a-half week pre-season, which is what we’ve worked to in the past, and the key is being ready to hit the ground running when the first league game comes around on August 9.”