Defender hoping to be back in full training by the end of the week

CITY defender Adam Everitt is delighted to see last season’s key players report back for pre-season training.

With no players under contract at Clarence Park at the end of last season there was some uncertainty over who would return when pre-season training began last week but thankfully for the Saints, key first team players Pete Smith, Ryan Frater, James Fisher, Ross Dedman and Rob Magwood all returned much to Everitt’s delight.

“It’s brilliant to be back and it’s good to see the lads back too,” Everitt told the Herts Advertiser.

“Last season we came back and nobody was sure what was going on but it’s brilliant to come back and see the lads like Frates (Ryan Frater) and Pete Smith still here.”

The no-nonsense defender underwent a groin operation during the summer to cure a long-standing injury and has yet to restart full training though the former Bromley man hopes to join in the sessions by the end of the week.

“Touch wood everything’s gone fine (with the operation),” said Everitt.

“I haven’t done any ball work yet, just running but touch wood it’s gone well and I should be back in full training within a week.

“Every player hates pre-season training, they just want the games to start. I’ve missed it during the summer. To be fair this summer’s flown by but I just want to play football.”

City begin their pre-season programme this weekend with two games in as many days. Leyton Orient visit Clarence Park on Friday with Watford the visitors on Saturday but Everitt thinks those games will come too early into his rehabilitation.

“We’re training tonight (Monday) and Wednesday and it depends how I get through that but I would have thought the weekend’s too soon,” explained the defender.