Heybridge Swifts boss Hawkes can't wait for U's game (From Maldon and Burnham Standard)

Heybridge Swifts boss Hawkes can't wait for U's game

3:21pm Thursday 12th July 2012 in Local Sport

HEYBRIDGE Swifts boss Mark Hawkes says his players are itching to get their pre-season campaign under way against Colchester United.

The League One side are bringing a full-stength squad to Scraley Road for Saturday’s friendly (kick-off 3pm).

It is the first game of the summer for both sides, since meeting up for pre-season training.

And Hawkes is looking forward to seeing his players step up their preparations against John Ward’s side.

“It’s a glamorous way for us to start, with a big game against professional opposition,” he said.

“It will be a test for the players, especially in terms of fitness, and hopefully we can get a decent crowd along to make some money for the club.

“Everyone is ready to start playing. It’s always a difficult time of year in that you don’t want to over-train or over-play, or alternatively be under-prepared.

“But we feel confident we’ll get the balance right and we’re looking forward to the next few weeks.”

Hawkes says pre-season training is going well, with the sessions attracting between 30 and 40 players.

Most will get a chance in one of the opening friendlies, against the likes of Colchester, Billericay (at Scraley Road on Tuesday) and Bishop’s Stortford (at home the following Tuesday).

That figure will be whittled down to 18 or 19 in readiness for the new Ryman League division one season, which kicks-off on August 18.