DORCHESTER Town manager Craig Laird is looking forward to getting back into the “swing of things” when his side plays Bradford Town at Trowbridge Road in their first pre-season friendly tonight (7.30pm).

With a number of pre-season training sessions already behind them, Laird revealed the Magpies’ squad will be split into two, ensuring one half travels to Bradford Town with the other lining up at Melksham Town on Friday.

And boss Laird is not concerned about results in pre-season, instead concentrating on the mechanics of the side.

He told Echosport: “We’re just looking to stretch the legs and get back into the swing of things. I don’t mind about the result, it counts for nothing in pre-season.

“It’s a pre-season friendly, there’s certainly targets you’re trying to reach like fitness, the shape on and off the ball, our tactics and just getting prepared for the season.

“We’ll probably split the squad so that everyone gets the full 90 minutes either on the Monday or Friday. Hopefully that will give us an idea of where they are as a squad.”

Laird is keen to reinforce to his players that opportunities will be available to all squad members.

“We’re trying to change the mindset of the players.

"It’s about a squad of players during the season, it’s really important they understand that. We want to have the strongest squad available to us.

“It’s my job to try and keep them happy and, when they are required, make sure they are ready to perform for the club,” he said.