Huddersfield Town manager Lee Clark has told the Club's official website that he cannot wait to get back out on the training pitch with his squad in 18 days time.
Clark has stressed the importance he places on the fitness of players ever since his arrival at the Club in December 2008 and as such, he ranks pre-season as one of the most important six-week periods of the entire 2009/10 season.
"Other than Matt Glennon, we had a clean bill of health going into the closed season, so we are hoping that everyone will be available on the first day of training," Lee told htafc.com. "I don't want anyone to miss out on pre-season as it is one of the most vital parts of the campaign in terms of preparation.
"I'm looking forward to June 29th immensely. It will be great to get back out onto the training ground with the lads and start the preparations for what will hopefully be a terrific season."
Clark also confirmed that Glennon, who missed the final two months of the 2008/09 season after undergoing surgery to correct a knee cartilage problem, is on track to be available for the first day of pre-season training.
"Matt has done some goalkeeping work now with John Vaughan, so we have him earmarked down to start pre-season alongside the rest of the players on June 29th. We have no reason to believe that won't be the case."
Town's Performance Coach Steve Black structured a series of fitness programs for the players so that they will be in the right shape to return 'all guns blazing' on June 29th.
"Each player has their own program to follow over the closed season period, but they need a break and the chance to recharge their batteries. However, each player has an individually tailored program with the idea being that they can all hit the ground running on June 29th as we get the six weeks of needed preparation work in.
"Blackie has been the main man in building these programs, obviously with input and help from myself and the rest of the coaching team. It is in this field that Steve has the expertise - both on an individual and team basis.
"I wouldn't say there would be punishment, but there would be a massive sense of disappointment if someone comes back for pre-season and hasn't adhered to their summer program. Rather than receiving a direct punishment, they would simply put themselves out of my thoughts.
"As I keep stressing, this will be a huge pre-season for all the players to stake their claim. Everyone will start on a level footing, but anyone that doesn't come back in the right shape is immediately putting themselves at a disadvantage before we even begin."
In the meantime, the Town boss is busy reshaping his squad in anticipation of an exciting 2009/10 season. Midfielder Antony Kay became the first new arrival at the Club recently and Clark explained that more deals are in the pipeline.
"I am still very busy and I'm talking to a lot of people; managers, agents and players. In an ideal world I would have liked to have progressed a few of the deals a bit quicker than I have, but this particular period of time is traditionally quiet as its when everyone takes their break. Despite this, I am in contact with different people on a daily basis as I try and bring the right players into the Club. We are far quite down the line on one or two deals and just started to develop others."
Lee also took time to comment on the Club's season ticket sales, which top 10,300 to date.
"To be honest the season ticket sales are no surprise to me, because since the first day that I walked through the door the support for the team has been absolutely magnificent. I think the supporters deserve a huge thank you on behalf of everyone at the Club, as their loyalty is first class. As I keep saying, I want to give the fans a team they can be proud of."
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