Mark Yates discusses the signing of Ashley Vincent, the home pre-season matches and the week in Wales.
Mark Yates speaking to www.ctfc.com this morning ahead of the weekend's friendly versus Gloucester:"The week here in Wales has been fantastic. We had no game this year because we wanted to concentrate on a few things on the training ground and it was just about getting the boys fitter, stronger and knowing how we want to play.
"They went white water rafting yesterday and enjoyed it but we've got some good sessions planned for them today too. They've spent some time on the beach to play a bit of cricket too and it's important they get to do this stuff with each other. They are in each other's pockets for 9 months and I think they loved it yesterday and really enjoyed themselves. I think it helped that the weather was so hot and that they could dive into a cold pool! The staff took themselves off for a bit of homework and to watch a game so we let the boys just crack on with it and enjoy themselves.
"We have Gloucester on Saturday and then that's quickly followed by Coventry and Cardiff all at our place. The boys should be in good shape and gearing up for Burton Albion in just over two weeks time.
"I am delighted to sign Ashley (Vincent). It has taken a little while and it was a late shout but I'm amazed he hadn't already gone. He turned down an offer from Port Vale at the end of last season for whatever reason and, like a lot of people, it has taken a little time. He's travelled down to Wales today to train with us and I'm really excited because I've always liked him for the last few years. He's a good player to work with and he can play out wide as well as up front. He has pace, energy, he goes past people and he delivers. Not everything will come off but we can work on that and I'm genuinely excited. Look at the supply to Tom Pope he provided last season and I have players in my team now that want to score goals so hopefully he can be a big supply line for that.
"He is an assured player and we know him well, especially Weso because of the work with his injuries he had quite a while ago. This was a no brainer really because once I knew I had the finances to do it and that he fitted our culture, it was easy to get done.
"I'm not picking teams in these friendlies for anything other than trying out a few systems and seeing how things work. We'll mix it up against Coventry and we'll mix it up again against Cardiff no doubt. Everyone will get game time so they are ready for the start of the new season and we'll have a few plans in place. I'm pleased with where we are and with Ashley signing that takes us up to 18. I'm hoping to get another deal sorted in the next 48 hours just to add to what we already have."