The Bradford Park Avenue players are back in training tomorrow and there could be a stampede for the showers because manager Benny Phillips is anticipating a huge gathering as he casts his net far and wide.

"There will be plenty of new faces, and plenty of old faces," said the boss on Thursday.

"Some new signings are in the pipeline, many of the squad from last season have been retained and some are coming along on a trail basis with the intent of proving to us that this club needs them.

"At this stage I have no pre-conceived ideas regarding the make-up of the team. Everyone who is here at the start of pre-season will have an even chance of making themselves a regular.

"The ones we decide are of the right quality and will be able to bring something to the club will be here at the start of the season.

"Somewhere along the line everyone in the squad will be given a go. It has got to be that way - you need a strong, deep squad of players to be successful these days.

"That is a financial burden to clubs at every level but it is one we have to be ready to embrace.

"Steering clear of injuries is important to the continuity of any squad and so the success of their respective club.

"It is impossible to go through a season without any injuries - or suspensions for that matter - so it is something that will cause every manager a problem at some point of the season."

Phillips, along with his new assistant Lee Coathup and coach Wayne Porter, intends to have his players primed and ready for action when the new UniBond Division One North season kicks off on August 18.

"Ever since I have been involved in football, the players have reported back for training in the first week of July.

"I don't think it is too early because there is so much work to do," said the former Bury full-time professional.

"It won't be a gentle introduction either. We will work them very hard. I think it is very important for footballers to get a very good pre-season under their belts.

"They are not coming back to spend six weeks getting fit. They are here to hone their fitness in preparation for the first league game.

"I expect the players to have been ticking over during the close season. When I played I liked to come back in good condition and be ready to work very, very hard.

"The lads will have had their two-weeks' holiday and had a blow out. The rest of the time they will have been doing a little jogging, cycling and circuit training. You have to do that if you want to stay in the game."