Alex Morris says he has been pleased with the way his players have returned to pre-season but he says they now face a tough six weeks to make sure they are ready for Rochdale away on the opening day of the season.

The Alex boss told the club’s official website: “The first days of pre-season have gone very well and everyone was raring to go. There is a spring in their step but you expect that in the first few days of pre-season.

“We gave them a bit of a light introduction on the first day, although I am sure they wouldn’t agree with that! But it will get more difficult and they are going to put under a lot of stresses and strains both physically and mentally because that what it entails in a gruelling football league season.

“I am pleased that they have all come in in good shape but the take is make sure that they build on that over the next six weeks.

He added: “We will make sure that they are put under duress now and in the coming weeks to make sure that they are in optimum condition for when that first game comes around.”