Bristol Rovers

The Bristol Rovers squad have only been back in training a few days, but manager Darrell Clarke told us that his lads are in good shape ahead of their return to the Football League.

"The boys have come back and are looking to crack on with everything but it helps that we have good pros at the football club.

"It is important that we don't have an element of burn out because of us finishing later [in the year] but they have come in the last few days and it's been very tough and there are a few more tough days ahead but we need to get the balance right so we are ready for Northampton on August 8th."

Darrell Clarke's men kick off their 2015/16 pre-season campaign with back to back fixtures this weekend against Salisbury and Sutton United respectively, with the Rovers manager stating he wanted to do things a bit differently this season. 

"In the first four games or so I wanted to let the fans know what sort of team I was putting out at each fixture so they can decide where they want to go.

"I also want to get a good 70/80 minutes into as many of the first team boys as possible so that's why we have some back to back games but the teams I put out will be as strong as possible for all four of the games.

"A lot of teams take 22 players to pre-season games and change it all around at half time, but I've changed the approach this season."

Rovers currently have four trialists at the club and Darrell say's that they are progressing well, but they have only been at the club a day.

"Yes, we have some lads in on trial but that is no different from every other football club across the country.

"We are specifically looking at players in wide areas as well as the goalkeeper situation but this is all something we will look at over the duration of pre-season."

The managers latest recruit, Cristian Montano joined the club last week and Darrell has certain expectations of the Colombian winger this season.

"First and foremost I want him to give me everything he has got, just like every other player I have here.

"His attitude initially has been spot on over the few days, but that is exactly what I expected from the lad.

"I have spoken to a few people about what his attitude is like but he is knuckling down and getting his fitness levels right up but he has fitted in really well with the boys so far."

To listen to Darrell's full interview, click on the video below: