Good afternoon

The players have trained well this morning (July 2). We had the same workout as yesterday followed by a small-sided game. Because of the temperatures we trained at 9 o'clock and the players enjoyed the 6-a-side competition we put on.

We've got two teams going to Bishop's Cleeve for our first pre-season friendly tomorrow night (July 3, 7.30pm kick-off) and the squad will be a mix of second year Scholars and professionals. All the players will get 45 minutes each and it should be a good runout and fitness exercise for the players and a nice local game for our supporters.

We've only picked up one injury where John Finnigan was particularly unlucky. He's trained hard over the summer and was in good shape coming in but he's picked up a very minor calf strain, which he's particularly disappointed about. He'll have to rest that to get himself fit.

Overall everyone else is fit and well and looking forward to tomorrow. Trialist Ben Smith will also be involved.

Our former goalkeeping coach Alan Fettis has landed a job at Sunderland, which is a fantastic opportunity for him and we wish him all the very best. Barry Richardson has been recommended to me by the League Managers Assocation and John Schofield. He's been working today with Scott Brown, Will Puddy, Joe Perry and Louie Barnfather and did well with them this morning. I like what he does and how he works. Hopefully over the weekend we'll be able to sort something out for Barry to join us as goalkeeping coach.

CHELTENHAM TOWN squad to play at Bishop's Cleeve (from): Brown, Puddy, Diallo, Ridley, Gallinagh, Townsend, Duff, Haynes, Keen, Quaynor, Watkins, Bird, Hutton, Durrant, Low, Emery, Tosh, Smith, Richards, Hammond, Lewis, Lee

For more details on the Bishop's Cleeve match click here.