Calum has spoken of his excitement to return to action for PNE following a year long absence from selection.
It was around this time last year that Calum suffered damage to both his medial and cruciate ligaments in his right knee during the first half of a friendly game against Oldham Athletic. Calum subsequently missed the entirety of last season but can’t wait to be back involved this campaign.
Speaking to PNE.Com earlier this week, Calum said: “I couldn’t wait to get back. I’ve been in a bit over the summer so it didn’t feel like I was waiting too much, the thought of life being back in with the lads excited me. I just couldn’t wait.
“I got a little taster of it with the last couple of sessions of the season but when the lads came back in I was just buzzing to be able to get back involved with them.”
Woods believes his injury worries are firmly behind him and that the work that has been putting in during the off-season has seen him benefit. He’s now focused on finally being back out on the pitch in a Preston North End shirt again.
“Being back in with the lads doing the football I’ve felt comfortable, my fitness has been up there in the running because I’ve done quite a lot over the summer - it’s been good for me and I’ve been enjoying it as well.
“There will be a bit of mixed emotions - to be out for a full year and to put the PNE shirt back on would be great for me. It’s been what I’ve been working towards for the full year so I’d be delighted to be back.
“It’s all preparation to being involved in my first game, I’m looking forward to it. I don’t know if I’ll be involved in the game on Friday but I’m just actually looking forward to getting some game time. Even if it’s in training when its 11 v 11, just so it’s something different from small sided games.”
The change of manager hasn’t phased the versatile defender either, with the current coaching staff taking care of training before the appointment of Alex Neil as manager on Tuesday.
“I’ve been round quite a long time now in football and this is what football is like, it happens sometimes. We were all gutted to see the gaffer go, and in the meantime, Tommo has done a great job with the lads. They’re enjoying preseason like they should be and it’s been tough.
“Tom Little has got everything planned out, they all already had everything planned out - so I don’t think there’s been much of a change in what’s going on.
“I’ve obviously worked with Tom Little for a while as well so I know what to expect form Tom and I know how tough it is - he gets the best out of the lads and gets them as fit as possible.”
PNE begin their preseason schedule this Friday at the Sir Tom Finney stadium against Bamber Bridge, 7pm kick off. Tickets purchased in advance are £7 for adults, £4 for concessions and £1 for U16, with an extra £1 to all ticket prices if bought on the day.
All details for the team’s other fixtures can also be found on the website.