City will be starting extra early for next season.

Nicky Law wants his men reporting back for duty in the final week of June.

They will be among the first clubs in the country to kick off pre-season training as Law looks to get them in tip-top shape for the new campaign.

City tend to begin in July but with the possibility of a much-changed squad next time around, the boss clearly feels his players would benefit from as much preparation time as possible.

This will be the first pre-season when Law has been able to work unhindered with his team. Last year was disrupted completely by the on-going uncertainty surrounding the club during administration.

Law will ensure the players come back for training in decent shape by providing them all with specific fitness programmes during their seven-week break.

City are still trying to finalise the details of their programme of friendlies.

To mark the centenary season, the club are hoping to organise a four-team tournament for the weekend of July 26-27. And they plan a prestige clash, hopefully against Premiership opposition, on August 2 which is a week before the Nationwide League is due to start.

City also want to fit in two matches in Scotland, possibly in the third week of July. Last year's planned tour was cancelled by the administrators to cut costs.