MALVERN Town's players are back in pre-season training, preparing for the start of the new campaign.

Training is being done with safety and social distancing guidelines in place in what are unprecedented times for football clubs.

Co-manager Lee Hooper said: "Training has gone really well so far. The players, coaches and staff have all played their part to make it work and run as smoothly as possible.

“Dene (Whittal-Williams) and I thank them all plus give special thanks to Laura (Whitehead, Sports Therapist) who has put a lot of effort in to make it happen.

“The pandemic has been tough for everyone and it’s kept us away from football, but we’re now finally allowed to get back to it, which is great.

“It’s been the perfect opportunity to get players from each of our teams into bubbles, allowing the younger lads of the club to do drills alongside senior players.

“Hopefully this has helped them pick up a few things and get to know the senior players. I’d also like to think that this will boost their confidence and help them in their pathway through the club.

“We have thanked the lads from the first-team and senior development team for their help and professionalism since being back; they have been great with the younger lads, encouraging them and giving back some of their knowledge.”

Co-manager, Dene Whittal-Williams, added: “It’s been long nights for us coaches and staff as getting the whole club training again has been challenging with five-hour evenings on a Thursday, but all of the effort and preparation is worth it to see the relief and freedom to get back out there doing what we all love.

“To come up with drills that allow social distancing rules to be kept in place and keep the players engaged could have been tricky, but the lads have all brought into it and put in the effort.

“It’s been a nice little build-up to the hard work of pre-season that starts this week for us. With the new season predicted to start in September, we have to knuckle down now and put in the hard work to be fitter, stronger and better all-round than last season.

“We need to hit the ground running and that is what we are working towards.”

The club also announced changes to its coaching and management for the upcoming season.

The new management is as follows:

Director of Football: Philip Earl

First Team:

Co-Managers - Lee Hooper and Dene Whittal-Williams

Senior Sports Therapist - Laura Whitehead

Equipment and Kit Co-ordinater - Nic Butler

Senior Development Team:

Manager - Pete Daffin

Assistant Manager- Rich Bray

U18 Team (MFYL):

Manager - Steve Dallow

U18 Development Team (MJPL):

Manager - Matt Day

Coaching Staff:

Club and Performance Analyst - Georgio Raev

Club Development and Goalkeeping - Simon Phillips

Support Placements:

Sports Therapist - Tom Howells

Strength and Conditioning - Bruce McLaren