AFTER last season’s injury nightmare, the sight of the full squad training together has brought a smile to many at Priestfield.

The first day back of pre-season training last Thursday saw not one player excused because of injury or illness.

Even long-term injured David Perpetuini, Nyron Nosworthy and Tommy Johnson were put through their paces in a fresh fitness regime, brought to the club by new physio Simon Webster and new fitness coach Russell Holman.

After a morning session concentrating on fitness at Beechings Cross, the players were shown the new equipment in the club gym.

Player-manager Andy Hessenthaler said: “Every member of the squad was out there today, which is a first for a long time. It was a nice surprise for the backroom staff and myself. That and the fact that not one player returned over weight. They were all put on the scales at the end of last season and they seemed to have looked after themselves well over the summer.

“Behind the scenes we are better equipped this season, because the gym which was installed at the same time as the Medway Stand has finally been fully kitted out.

“Now we're just hoping that we stay in such good shape over the whole of pre-season, so we are strong for the first game of the season away at Ipswich.”

Hessenthaler has some simple aims for the forthcoming season and has admitted he has written off last year’s relegation-haunted campaign.

“It’s a clean slate for everyone. First team places are up for grabs for those who work hard,” he said. “Last year was a major disappointment because for the previous three years we had improved as a team year-on-year but that’s in the past now.

“We are focused on improving on our best finish of 11th. Every manager sets his stall out at the start of the season looking to get into the play-offs and I’m no different.

“If we can keep everyone fit we have a good squad and a chance to surprise a few people.”