IT has been hot work for Phil Parkinson and the boys as they prepare for our first pre-season game at Nantwich on Saturday and our season opener against Eastleigh, which is now less than a month away.

The temperatures have been punishing, but no doubt everybody will look back on this period fondly when we are away at Gateshead in the sleet in January.

The players reported back for training in good condition and these sessions that are being run now will hopefully stand us in great stead over the course of the season.

It will be so valuable to have had all our medical and sports science team in place for the course of the whole season.

Kev Mulholland didn't join us until after the start of last season and many of our physio and strength and conditioning team didn't join us until different stages of last year and that stability promises the maximum benefit.

I haven't seen for myself, but apparently Luke Young is currently sporting an eight-pack and James Jones can tear a yellow pages in half with his bare hands.

Saturday should see the first appearances of new boys Jordan Tunnicliffe, Mark Howard and Elliot Lee in our new blue away kits.

Elliot's signing was supposed to be revealed on Monday, but by Friday night our fans had got wind of what was going on, largely thanks to the somewhat over-eager Instagram habits of one of owners!

The decision was taken to reveal the news before speculation got too mad and so the announcement was made at the rather unusual time of 8.55pm on a Friday, interrupting everyone's viewing of Denmark vs Germany in the Women's Euros.

We are working on further reinforcements as I type.

I am, as ever, enjoying the speculation that is rife amongst fans. It always amazes me how idle speculation grows into absolute cast iron certainty over the course of an afternoon.

Your affectionate reminder: If you ain't heard it from us, don't get it tattooed on your arm.

I went to watch LAFC vs LA Galaxy, on Friday night, in what's known as El Traffico.

Gareth Bale was presented to the home fans before the game and while I screamed "You could have had a lifetime supply of free bacon butties from Wayne's van, but you blew it!" like a jilted lover, I don't think he heard me.

I've been to LAFC a couple of times and am always very impressed by their support.

They have the same safe standing set-up as we are planning on putting on the Kop and they really know how to make the most of it.

If you get a chance, have a look on Youtube. Or Tiktok. I should probably be pushing TikTok here.

I desperately miss football. Roll on Saturday.

COYR