Waddock Is Happy That His Players Hate Pre-Season!

He says he is really pleased with his side’s fitness levels this summer – even though his squad haven’t enjoyed training as much as they would have liked!

Waddock watched the Shots beat Leatherhead 4-0 on Saturday and after wanting a fitter team next season he says so far so good.

Speaking to the club’s official video service after the rout, he said: “The players hate it but credit to them, they’ve worked extremely hard in difficult conditions. It’s all about being prepared for the first game of the season and that’s what we’re trying to achieve.

“Their attitude was very good. We had a game yesterday also in the heat so in terms of fitness levels, they’ve really pushed themselves – so I’m really pleased with that.”

A number of players have left the Recreation Ground already this season, which has left

Waddock with a rebuilding job ahead of the new season – but he’s not worried just yet.

He said: “You’re only going to be pleased [with pre-season] when you get underway and get off to a good start.

“You’re going into the unknown. We’ve put a newish group together again and we’ve had to rebuild the group as we lost players in the summer.

“You never quite know where you are until that league campaign starts but at this moment in time, we’re OK. We’re shaping up,” he added.

Waddock named a number of trialists in his side that beat Leatherhead – and one in particular shone – setting up three goals and scoring an incredible solo goal himself.

“We created chances and we took them so that was really pleasing,” said Waddock.

“I was quite pleased with the trialists. You’re likely to see one or two of them again. You know what it’s like, trialists come in and some of them do really well and so you continue to have a look at them.”

Aldershot Town get their National League season underway at home to Barnet on August 4.