Ben Davies has spoken about the determination in the PNE squad to put together a good season in the upcoming campaign.
North End returned for their pre-season schedule this week and as well as long term seasonal targets, Davies has also set himself a more short term goal.
Speaking to iFollowPNE, he said: “At the end of last season we were so close to getting where we want to be, so there’s a determination this year to come in and do well from the start.
“It’s never easy, pre-season, but you definitely give yourself a few weeks break and then slowly build yourself up so you’re not far behind, because the other boys will be doing it and you want to give yourself the best chance of coming back in good shape.
“We’re all professional and we’ve done it enough times now to be aware of what to do. Everyone will have done the right work and will be ready to go.
“The first target is to get to Saturday or Sunday, get through the first few days and then come back and be ready to go again. You need to take it step by step, but the ultimate goal is to be ready for the first game of the season.”
After emerging from the last pre-season with eye-catching performances, that were taken into the season, ultimately leading to his young player of the year award, Ben is looking to deliver similar levels of performances; in his new No.6 shirt.
“I just need to come back and do similar to what I did last year. It was a good year for me and I definitely needed it, but I’ve got new targets this year. I’m looking to come back in the shape that I am and kick on from here.
“It’s the first time in three or four years since I’ve had a new number. To be in that first 11 numbers, I know it doesn’t really matter, it just means a little bit more, so I’m happy with that.”
There will be new arrivals joining Davies for the pre-season, and the former youth team graduate doesn’t expect any problems gelling with the new players off the pitch.
“We’ve got a good squad here, we’re all honest lads and we all give it our all day in day out to make sure we have the best chance of playing on a Saturday. It starts today and everyone is raring to go so we can have a good season.
“I think we’ll have no problem settling in with the new boys off the pitch, on the pitch we need to get the relationships going and get used to playing with them and knowing what they like to do. They need to learn what the team’s like, but I’m sure they’re already aware from coming in.”
You can watch the full interview with Ben Davies by clicking on the video above.