City manager Gary Caldwell has spoken on his first day back at the training ground, ahead of the players' return on Thursday.
After a busy summer - with only a little downtime- Caldwell is ready to prepare his troups for the 2024/25 League One season with a busy pre-season schedule.
"The players can expect really hard work!" Gary said of the players' return.
"Pre-season is always dreaded by players! There a number of things we want to include this summer, whether that be tactically, culturally, or whatever, we want to be better in every department but obviously the main goal is fitness and we'll be working the boys very hard.
"As a staff, we have all got together and worked out a number of things we want from the players. I think we have to work tactically on how we want to be next season, but also on cultures and behaviours we want to display as a group."
Caleb Watts, Harry Lee and Demetri Mitchell all put pen to paper in the off-season, with Gary pleased at tying the trio down, but was disappointed not to retain the services of Zak Jules, who opted not to renew his contract - instead joining Rotherham United.
"Zak chose to leave and he leaves with our best wishes. He is somebody I have known for a long time. He only committed for a year due to his personal circumstances, and he had a great season with us. We tried everything we could to keep him, but as is his right he has decided to go elsewhere and we have already identified replacements."
Gary also provided an update on Tom Carroll, who has yet to commit to the contract offer made to him during the break.
"We remain in discussions with Tom to try and keep him at the club, as well as with other players we want from last season as well."
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