Fitness key to success

With nine of 11 scheduled friendlies remaining, the Blues are aiming to be fitter than their rivals, something which Williams says can only be a good thing.

“The training and games have been tough, but it needs to be to get us prepared for the season,” he told the Standard.

“Our fitness was a big part of our success last season, and will be even more important this time around.”

“I think everyone prefers match practice to running and pure fitness, so having a large number of games is good for us.”

This summer is the first full pre-season with Steve Housham in sole charge of the club, something which Williams says has given an extra buzz to proceedings.

“The manager has his own ideas about training, and it’s bringing us closer together as a team. We’ve got a real sense of togetherness and a great set of lads that will stick together.”

“Last year we were a strong unit and that helped us grind out results at points when maybe we weren’t expected to.”

Next up for the Blues is Williams’ former club Mansfield Town on Friday night, and the Blue Square Premier outfit look set to provide a stern test on the Northolme.

“It will give the game a little extra edge for me,” said Williams, “and it will be nice to see some of the guys I played with.”

“At the end of the day, it’s about fitness in pre-season, but we want to win as many games as possible and Friday is no different.”

With several new signings coming from the lower leagues, Williams has been impressed with Housham’s eye for talent.

“There is a lot of quality that has come in this summer, and you have to praise the manager for that.”

“The new faces have fitted in well, and we have a good balance with the experienced players as well.”

“The atmosphere around the team is really good, and that’s only going to benefit us moving forward.”

The Blues are away at Lincoln Moorlands on Saturday and host Hucknall Town on Tuesday at 7.45pm.