SLIMBRIDGE manager Freddy Ward has begun his first pre-season and challenged his players to keep up with him as he puts them through their fitness paces.

And, as the Swans start that rigorous regime, Ward has set a few targets already for the coming weeks and months.

It’s a new season and a new management team at Thornhill Park with Ward appointed on a permanent basis after Slimbridge parted company with previous boss Leon Sterling last year. Also Lee Driver-Dickerson has arrived from Frampton as assistant manager, and striker Lee Smith is helping not just as a player but as first team coach.

Slimbridge may have finished the season just one place above the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South and West relegation zone but they were 16 points ahead of the drop zone.

But Ward wants the Swans fitter than ever before the season opens up in August – and he is ready to do it with them in case he has to pull his boots on in the campaign.

The manager said the main priority during pre-season is ‘high fitness levels’. He added: “It’s a tough league so all teams are fit at this level. I need to see people pushing themselves and not holding back.

“I want to see them putting it in – and I’ll be doing it myself as well. I want them to keep up with me if they can!”

Ward got Slimbridge started last Tuesday, and said the squad will have just a little kick-about for now while he assesses who will be with them for the long term and who will not.

“The first few sessions, I won’t get the balls out. I will just see their fitness. We will have a little 15 minute game at the end to see if they can control it and kick it, which is the basics, and take it from there.”

And, after a few weeks assessing which players can make it, Ward will begin deciding who he wants.

“Hopefully, I will start making my mind up who I want and who I don’t want in about two weeks time when the pre-season games come in.”

As for the start of the season, Ward added: “I will be looking to stay unbeaten for August if I can. We have the FA Cup as well and I want a good cup run this season and the same in the FA Trophy.

“I do want to look out for another striker as well. I need a couple of people with energy and youth and hopefully I will find them.”

And Ward said he is not finished either as a player. “I always keep myself fit and if I am needed and I think players are not doing it and I could do better, I’ll step in.”

Slimbridge begin their schedule of pre-season friendlies on Tuesday week, July 18, when they travel to Gloucestershire County League side Stonehouse Town.

They travel to Herefordshire side Pegasus Juniors the following Saturday, before a clash with National League South outfit Gloucester City on July 25.