Photographer, Bryan Pye, captured Trinity's return to training at The Venue, which included a lot of benchmarking, under the watchful eye of Strength and Conditioning Coach Daniel Solts. Wilcox explained: "It’s early days in the pre-season period, but so far I’m really pleased with the levels of fitness the players have come back in with. Daniel gave the lads an off-season schedule to work to, to keep them ticking along ready for the start of the season ahead."
"We are only a couple of sessions in, so it’s mainly running based sessions and testing at the moment in order to build up fitness. Our training focus will change as we near our first friendly against Club Thorne, away Tuesday 9th July at 7.30pm.”
Attacking full-back Sisa Tuntulwana arrived earlier in the summer from Lincolnshire neighbours Grantham Town. He is joined by former Barnsley prospect, Jordan Helliwell, while George Hornshaw has taken some time out from football to explore his career options outside of the sport. The door remains open for George, who still remains loyal to Trinity, especially having racked up his maiden century appearance-wise, earlier this year.
Tuntulwana and Helliwell link up with last season's top scorer Declan Howe, who headlined an impressive list of retentions from the side that went on a remarkable run of form, in the second half
of the season, narrowly missing out on a spot in the end of season play-off mix.
Others to re-sign for the Blues, were local lad Lewis Butroid, 'keeper Josh Render, midfielders Bailey Conway and Bobby Johnson, as well as defenders, Dylan Cogill, and Ashley Jackson. Finally, forwards Dayle Southwell, Fraser Preston, Javelle Clarke, and Joe Stacey, who was a late in the season loan signing from Alfreton turned permanent during the close season.
"Recruitment has been challenging as always, but it has been good to have secured the bulk of our squad at this stage. I feel we need to add a couple more if possible before the league starts again on the 10th of August. Thanks to Chairman Dave Horsley and the board for their support in this respect."
Wilcox extended a Gainsborough Trinity welcome to all the new recruits, and the returning faces: "A warm welcome to all our players who have signed for our football club for this season, both our new recruits and those who have returned from last season."
With preparations already under way, and a progressive pre-season schedule in place, the Boss admits, "We are really pleased with the pre-season games we have put together with the help of Matt Boles, and in my opinion, everyone will be happy with the new kits kindly provided by Patrick Sports after hard work from Director, Jed Hallam."
Though termed the 'close'-season, or the 'off-season' by a large proportion of football fans, that time between the final league game and first pre-season fixture is what can best be described as 'hectic'. The Gainsborough boss has been in the game long enough to know the hard yards that are put in, on and off the pitch, as he pays tribute to Jon Wood and Harry Bishop, the duo charged with making the grass pitches of DN21 resplendent.
Wilcox reaffirmed: "The close season work from Woody and his team has got the pitches at the stadium - and at Roses - looking superb! It’s great for the players and staff to be able to return to work on quality pitches."
A quick look around our surroundings - and it's clear to see we are blessed with some fantastic playing surfaces, in superb locations. Things are taking shape. And any team, without the contribution of the volunteers, would be nothing, as he shines a light on those that wilfully give their time, "Finally, a big thank you to all the volunteers that have given up their time to help to get the stadium in tip top condition. Your excellent work for the football club doesn’t go unnoticed. Now, we're looking forward to the season ahead!"