The team reported back for training over two weeks ago and will begin a series of friendly matches next week.

Little told the Standard that his first pre-season as a manager in non-league football has been going well.

"I've had a mapped out idea of what I wanted to do and I've not had to come off that track yet," he said.

"We've got to be flexible should anything happen, but everything seems to be going pretty much to plan."

The Trinity boss says there are some unattached players training with the club who have brought a competitive edge.

"We've had one or two people in to train with us who have added a little bit as well. We are looking to add a couple of people to the squad on potential non-contracts, but its not an issue at the moment."

He added that training has been enjoyable and that his varied approach has received a good response from the players.

"We're moving through the phases. We've had the ball involved in most of the exercises we've done, so we're not just running for miles."

The Blues will face Yorkshire giants Leeds United on the Northolme next Thursday in their opening warm-up match.

But Little insists each friendly will be about getting players fit and ensuring they gain valuable game time ahead of the first league tie at Worcester City.

"I'll be playing games with people coming on and off at set times," he said. "We've got to try and get everybody involved as well as trying new combinations."

"Everybody will play a similar amount of times in the first couple of games then we will refine it to pick the best team for the start of the season."

by Aron Hegarty

newsroom@gainsboroughstandard.co.uk

Man with a plan - Brian Little is pleased with his first pre-season in non league football (Pic: Mark Fear)