David Artell says that his players will soon return to do two days a week of training to keep them ticking over during the summer. The Alex boss says that the summer conditioning is only for their benefit and says it is vital for when they return for full pre-season training at the start of July.

The players have had a two-week break following the conclusion of the season and Artell says it is important that they have the opportunity to refresh their minds mentally just as much as their bodies physically.

Artell explained to the club’s official website: “The players have had two weeks off and they will start doing two days a week from next week. It is not a punishment to come in and keep ticking over in readiness for the pre-season work.

“It is professionalism and only for their benefit. If the fitness levels are there then they will be ready for when the balls come back out again in July.

“If they can get away again with the family and it is safe to do so, then we will allow that because I think that time is important. They need that time to refresh their mind mentally.

"Their bodies can tolerate much of the work because they are conditioned to do so but it can be tiring mentally and they need that break.

The boss added: “The aim is to make sure that they avoid niggling injuries as much as possible and ensure that they are in the best shape possible to get through the pre-season work load.”