REDDITCH United boss Darren Byfield has been impressed by the attitude of the squad as preparations for the 2016-17 season stepped up.

Twenty-three players took part in their first training session on Saturday as they look ahead to their first friendly clash against at Bridgnorth on Saturday, July 9.

As well as the nine players signed there were also out of contract hopefuls Luke Shearer, Danico Johnson and Liam Spink also took part.

Byfield relished the chance to get hands on with the players after weeks of working on bringing players in.

He said: “Working with the players to build a bond between them and make sure we are ready for the season is what it’s all about.

“At this stage it’s all about making sure the players will be fit and raring to go, so we’ll be working them hard.

“I absolutely loved it on Saturday and I must admit I was very impressed by the effort and attitude of the 23 players that were present.

“It’s early days but they have made a good start.”

Byfield admitted that he was hoping to add two new faces by the end of the week.

So far, United have signed former Crystal Palace and Republic or Ireland striker Clinton Morrison, keeper Brad Catlow, defender Clayton McDonald, attacker Reece Hewitt, Duane Courtney, Max Loveridge, Eli Bako, Jordan Jones, Jamie Spencer, and youngster Cameron Young.

The Reds manager also said that a number of the club’s young players were also been given a chance in pre-season.

He said: “I am going to be fair to everyone in pre-season and if the young players show the right effort and determination they have got a chance.”

After Bridgnorth next Saturday, United head to MFL side Loughborough University on July 13.

Byfield is hoping to add another game on Saturday, July 16, while the club focus on the Worcestershire Senior Cup with a semi-final clash against Carl Heeley’s Worcester City on Tuesday, July 19 ahead of the final or third place play-off on Saturday, July 23.

The final week of pre-season sees the new-look Reds head to MFL side Highgate United on Tuesday, July 26, before rounding things off at Bedworth United on Saturday, July 30.