SWINDON Town manager David Flitcroft is pleased to have what he described as a ‘vital’ day in the new job under his belt after taking his first training session today.

Flitcroft admitted he and other members of his staff were up at 6.30am this morning as they prepared to welcome the current crop of players to the Beversbrook Sports Facility.

Among the players present were Flitcroft’s three latest recruits of Chris Robertson, James Dunne and Paul Mullin, but there was no sign of Yaser Kasim, Jermaine Hylton or Jonathan Obika, who have all been offered new contracts by the club, with their current deals expiring at the end of the month.

However, Jake Evans and Tom Smith, who also see their current contracts come to an end on June 30, were both present.

The players were put through a gruelling induction, which included shuttle runs with passing and circuit training, and Flitcroft is keen to put his marker down early as the preparations for the opening League Two fixture against Carlisle United on Saturday, August 5, progress.

“When you sign a contract and start at any club, the first day with the players is a key one,” he told the Advertiser.

“You can really instil a strong message, you can instil what you’re about as a person but I think more importantly, there is an emotional side and you can get across what you are after.

“We are very professional in what we do, preparation is everything to us.

“We’ve been preparing for this day for two weeks now, making sure everybody is in sync and that’s to get everybody, from the goalkeeping coach, to the analyst, to Macca (Alan McLoughlin) with the youth team, to the physio, to move site from the ground and come here today.

“It’s taken one hell of an effort and when it comes off and you are involved in it, it’s the day I’ve been looking forward to the most.”

With Flitcroft occupied by player recruitment since signing a two-year deal at the club 22 days ago, he was pleased to have a respite as he took to the 4G pitch at Beversbrook with his players, and his passion, along with that of assistant Ben Futcher, was clear to see as he bellowed words of encouragement to his troops.

“I’ve loved it today. I’ve really enjoyed getting my feet under the table,” he added “It’s the reward for a lot of hard miles on the motorway, travelling around the country, going to meet players – I would go anywhere to go and meet someone who I think will make Swindon better.

“Out there, on the grass, that’s my office. At the moment, the car is my office, the hotel is the office, where you are meeting players, that’s where you are looking.

“I’ve not minded it, trying to sell the vision and what we are all about.

“That’s my office out there. I love being outdoors, I love being on the grass and I love trying to drive a group of players and motivate a group of young players.”