Terry Butcher spoke to Matt Davis on Friday afternoon, and gave him an exclusive update on how things are progressing after a week back in training. 
MD: "So Terry, how was the first week back?"
TB: "I've been delighted by the attitude of the whole squad on their return to training this week. We've worked really hard, we've got one slight twinge - Glenn Poole has hurt his achilles - but apart from that everyone's well and building up their fitness. The weather's been good for us, it's normally boiling hot during pre-season but the wind and rain has helped us to stay cool. With the exception of Wednesday we've been doing double sessions all week and will also be putting in a session on Saturday morning - it's going to be a hard slog but it's important to start buiding up the players' stamina."
MD: "It's been a busy week in terms of signings, can you give us your verdict on the three new additions to the squad?"
TB: "Craig Pead has impressed us very much this week, his adaptability and movement are excellent, he covers ground, he tackles hard and he plays at a high tempo. It's been interesting to see the rest of the squad react to the more experienced new players, and even though Craig's only 25, he does bring experience with him, and is settling in brilliantly.
Alan Connell has started well, he's got a lovely touch and is a good finisher, he's scored a few goals already in the five-a-side matches we've been putting on. He can score with his left and right foot, he's put in a great performance in the long-distance running and overall has started very positively indeed.
Lee Thorpe is different to the other signings - him and John Mackie are the 'grandads' of the team - but he's very fit, especially for someone who's been battered their whole career, he has great upper-body strength and holds up play well. His experience at this level will be invaluable, we're looking at Lee to spearhead the attack, and we've got some good options to partner him with, whether it's a two, three or even four man attack."
MD: "What's the situation regarding bringing in additional players?"
TB: "We have four trialists with us at the moment, and there will be even more next week - we'll see what develops from there."
MD: "What's the spirit like in the camp?"
TB: "So different from last season, I'm delighted with the way the squad have knuckled down. At the end of last season everyone was so deflated but the spirit now is the complete opposite, everyone is training with a positive attitude, competing and importantly pulling each other through as well. There's been a lot of encouragement between players - even those who are still getting to know each other - and you need that sort of spirit to get you through games - stamina will be vital next season and it's good to see that these players will help each other out when they're struggling, push each other along."
MD: "Finally Terry, are you looking forward to the
TB: "I'm currently living very close to