Paul Huntington is already enjoying being back in pre-season training after the Preston North End first team got back to business yesterday.
The central defender was instrumental in helping the team finish the 2012/13 season in positive fashion and despite the hard sessions; he is looking ahead to the fixture schedule already, starting with Liverpool at Deepdale.
“It is great to be back,” said Hunts, in an exclusive interview with PNE.Com.
“Today has been hard in terms of fitness this morning and we are doing a gym session and two circuits this afternoon.
“It’s obviously very hard, but I’m just looking forward to getting into the games really and getting match fit, that’s what I’m looking forward to.
“Pre-season is one of those things that you just have to get through really.
“It is just a base and once you get into the games and start playing 45 minutes and then an hour, 75 and 90, you are ready to go and it is just a base for the rest of the season to build off.
“The break always flies in and we are back before we know it and I am looking forward to a new challenge and carrying on where we left off last season.”
After facing Liverpool, North End have some huge fixtures to kick-off the season, starting with Wolves on the opening day of the League One season, before Blackpool come to Deepdale on the 5th August for a blockbuster live on Sky, Capital One Cup clash.
And the central defender is already relishing the prospect.
He continued: “We have some great games to start with, great for the fans and great for us as a squad.
“They will be really enjoyable to play in and I am looking forward to them and I can’t wait to get into the season.”
Paul was joined on the opening day of pre-season yesterday by new recruits Chris Humphrey and Tom Clarke and the duo have settled in well at Springfields according to Hunts, who has previous experience of playing alongside Clarke.
Huntington went on: “Both Tom and Chris are really good lads, we haven’t really done a lot of football so far, a few possessions and things, but I am sure they will fit in nicely.
“Both are very good players and obviously Declan is coming back as well.
“I played at England U18s youth with Tom, he is a great lad and versatile and he can play any number of positions.
“Chris is obviously a really good player and I am sure he will also bring a lot of good qualities to the team.”