Stuart McCall feels like a proper manager at last.

That's not to suggest he hasn't been giving it 100 per cent since accepting the daunting challenge seven weeks ago of lifting City back from the doldrums.

McCall has taken to his new role with the same desire and determination he showed every time he donned the claret and amber jersey.

But as he sat there hour after hour at his desk, fielding calls from agents and checking contacts for potential transfer targets, something was missing.

That all changed the moment his troops assembled for pre-season. At last, everything clicked into place and the boss had direct control of his charges.

Suddenly he's no longer chained to the office. And for McCall, this is where his job begins for real.

"Today was the start of it," he beamed. "Obviously the weather has hampered us but we've managed to do other things.

"It's good now the lads are back. We've had a meeting with everyone and we're all heading in the same direction.

"I'm pleased to be among the players and get back training because this is what it's all about. I said all along that I'd be a much happier person when we're all out there on the pitch and that's been the case."

With Apperley Bridge temporarily out of action because of flooding, the first few days of fitness work have been held in different surroundings. After a morning session today on the artificial turf at the Goals leisure centre, the players were put through their paces with a bleep test under the watchful eye of expert Ed Baranowski.

All the time, McCall is assessing his options - and working out the areas which need strengthening.

The double capture of strikers Peter Thorne and Barry Conlon has taken the immediate heat off one area, although the gaffer will keep looking for any hidden gem that may present itself.

His training squad is currently boosted by an assortment of trialists, mainly youngsters. Some like Barnsley duo Nathan Joynes and Thomas Harban could be playing themselves into contention for a season-long loan, others will no doubt be discarded along the way to the opening League Two date with Macclesfield on August 11.

"With the lads here now, I know there is definitely enough quality and spirit having been in with them," added McCall, "and hopefully in the weeks leading up to the season there will be more people coming in.

"We've had a couple of things go against us in terms of players we were trying to sign but that happens and you just have to get on with it. I've spoken to managers at both ends of the league and they are in the same situation.

"I'm a lot more upbeat now having got a couple of players in and hopefully that will give us more momentum to attract others.

"I've already got targets that I want to bring in once we get nearer - but you don't want to be paying loan fees now!"

McCall believes four more senior players after Thorne and Conlon are needed to swell the numbers to 16 or 18 with several loanees on top just before the campaign kicks off.

He is keeping his cards close to his chest regarding the current crop of trialists, determined not to let any slip the net for other clubs before he has had a good look. And McCall is running the rule over teenage central midfielder Scott Phelan who, like Steve Schumacher before him, has been let go by Everton.

Having seen him play against Sheffield United reserves last season, the City boss has maintained an interest.

"He's more than happy to come over for a couple of weeks and we can have a look at him.

"At the moment we're getting into a little bit of football and can't really judge him on anything yet but we'll see."

Already talking like a hard-bitten manager, McCall is delighted to be acting like one.

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