Dino: So far, so good

5:06pm Thursday 3rd July 2008

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DINO Maamria says he is delighted with his players’ start to pre-season.

The Vics boss watched on this morning at Moss Farm as the squad were put through their paces for the sixth time this week.

“I’ve been really impressed so far,” he told the Guardian.

“The players have come back in great shape and hungry to work hard, I’m delighted to see that.

“They have clearly been working hard during their time off too and you can see they are looking trim.”

Defender Cortez Belle (compassionate leave) is the only man missing so far, while Scott Tynan (foot blisters) worked away from his teammates this morning.

Two sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday were followed by one today and another two tomorrow, Friday.

Maamria’s men have been joined by a handful of trialists – former Halifax Town keeper Craig Mawson, winger Lee Dodgson and midfielder Ashley Wynn among them – all of whom are eager to become the ‘one or two’ new faces the manager has promised to add to his squad.

“They are giving me a headache already,” he added.

“I know I can’t sign all of them because there isn’t room so we’ll see how things go in the next couple of weeks.

“But as every manager will tell you it’s a nice headache to have.”

On the fixture list, Maamria said he was not worried about facing one of the title favourites on the opening day of the season.

Yesterday it was revealed that Cambridge United would visit the Marston’s Arena on August 9.

“First of all I’m happy we’re at home,” he said.

“And there’s not a great amount to add to that, I know the supporters have been waiting for a home match for a long time so it’s great they will get their wish.

“People have said to me already that it looks a really tough month but I’m not worried about that.

“Look, we have to play everybody so you take what you are given.

“Right now my focus is on getting this group of players through the next few weeks so they are ready for the first game. It feels a long way away at the moment.”