BOSS Gary Bailey believes key man Alex Halloran will be like a new signing this term, as the Blues are set to start their pre-season training tonight.

Halloran was left to endure a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a nasty knee injury in a 2-1 defeat to Parley sports in November.

Bailey, whose side travel to Fleet Spurs on the opening day of their Sydenhams Wessex One campaign on Saturday, August 8, is confident that the midfielder will be well up to speed for the start of the season.

“Alex is training hard,” said the Blues’ manager.

“He knows he is a little bit behind fitness-wise because he missed a big chunk of last season but has been doing a lot of work on his own and with Critch (assistantmanager Kyle Critchell) in the close season.

“Injury wise his knee is holding up really well so he is well on the way to getting back.

“He will catch up with the fitness side in pre-season and will do everything the lads are doing and he knows he needs to do a little bit more.

“I don’t want to set him any targets but I fully expect him to be involved within our pre-season programme for sure.

“It’s almost like signing a new player again and it’s good with the feel good factor it brings.”

  • The Blues’ first confirmed pre-season friendly is at home to Weymouth on Tuesday, July, 14 (7.30pm).