PORTLAND United are back in training ahead of their Sydenhams Wessex Premier League campaign, which starts in August.

More than 30 players returned in reasonably good shape as they took part in their first pre-season session on Tuesday night.

The players were made up of first-team and reserve players with some trialists joining in.

After the session, Blues’ manager Gary Bailey told Echosport: “It was a good start to our preparations and we will be looking to steadily build up the intensity of the session as pre-season progresses.

“It was good to get back to working with the players and the new signings have fitted in very well.”

Speaking about the trialists, Bailey added: “We will be assessing the trialists over the coming sessions.”

The island side have already announced their pre-season plans with their first friendly taking place on Saturday, July 9 away at Lyme Regis.

They are set to play a further five games before they take on Verwood Town on Wednesday, August 3 in their first game of the new season at Potterne Park.

The promoted side’s first home game at Grove Corner will be against Bournemouth on the following Tuesday.