Optimistic Shrewsbury Town captain Ben Davies wants to hit the ground running as he steps up his preparations to lead a new-look and much strengthened squad into League Two battle.
Davies, Town’s midfield playmaker, admits he was always playing catch-up in the fitness stakes after injury ruled him out for the first half of last season.
But he is confident he will be back to his best when the new season kicks off at home to Macclesfield on August 9.
“I need a good pre-season as I didn’t have one last season with the injury, and I felt I was always struggling for fitness,” said Davies. “It’s a chance to get my head down and work hard and it will stand me in good stead.
“It’s been really hard so far and it’s up there with the toughest pre-seasons I’ve ever known, but it’s got to be done.”
Delighted to have retained the captaincy – “I’ve always said it’s an honour” – Davies is now looking forward to flying out to Spain this weekend for Town’s training camp.
“With the new lads coming in, it will give everyone a chance to bond and get together,” he said. “It’s nice to have a change of scenery but it’s going to be hard work, though you don’t mind that with a bit of sun on your back.”
Davies has been excited by Town’s summer recruitment drive, admitting he’s particularly pleased with the captures of strikers Grant Holt and Richard Walker.
“We’ve brought in some top quality players at levels above ours,” he said. “I’ve played against Holty and know what a good player he is. A lot’s expected of him but he’s a good enough player to deal with that and hopefully he’ll score 20-plus goals for us.
“Richard Walker is also a great signing for us. Shrewsbury fans know more than most about what Walker can do.”