'Brutal and horrible' runs for AFC Telford

Smith has put his squad through gruelling sessions up the Wrekin on Saturday and last night.

But they will finally see some football action tomorrow night when the balls come out prior to the first friendly on Saturday at Colwyn Bay.

The Bucks boss has overseen the schedule with coach Steve Wynn and goalkeeping coach Andy Pryce, as assistant Larry Chambers is away on holiday until today.

Smith said: "It was brutal and horrible – and the players were saying worse! It was very tough indeed but they have adapted to it very well.

"They've embraced it and shown a good attitude, and, in a sad way, enjoyed it. It's quite challenging but they will all benefit from it and it brings the lads together.

"There is a serious side to it though and it's good for their core strength."

He favours an 'old school' approach to pre-season training which some players might have found a new challenge.

One of them was Lee Fowler, who is 32 and has 16 years of training at professional clubs behind him.

Smith said: "Lee Fowler was funny doing the hill. I don't think he's done anything like it in his whole career so I think he was gobsmacked, but he did all the running.

"There were some loose horses running through at one stage and I had visions of Camps (Darren Campion) and Lee coming down on them, I really did!

"It was exactly the same last night, then we'll get the balls out tomorrow.

"I'd rather be standing on the touchline watching them play than at the top of a hill watching them run. But we believe in it and it's something they've got to do."

All the players, bar the honeymooning Ben Bailey, have reported back. Smith added: "Monty (James Montgomery) was back last night.

"Josh Wilson and Dwayne Samuels were back on Saturday, so everyone is there apart from Ben."