DOUGIE Freedman is ensuring a busier pre-season for his side this summer, after Wanderers announced their first four pre-season fixtures.

The Whites played only four official warm-up games last year but have already matched that total with fixtures confirmed against Macclesfield Town, Rochdale, Tranmere Rovers and Port Vale.

A trip to Sweden has also been heavily rumoured, including a game at Malmo, although there has been no official word from the club at present.

The Championship season begins on August 9 – which leaves a weekend spare for what has become a regular home fixture against foreign opposition.

All fixtures confirmed so far are midweek – hinting there could be scope for more games to be introduced.

But the friendlies already confirmed see Wanderers face John Askey’s Macclesfield Town of the Conference at Moss Rose on Friday, July 18 (7.45pm) before stepping up to League One opposition in newly-promoted Rochdale at Spotland on Tuesday, July 22 (7.45pm).

Tranmere Rovers, recently relegated from League One, provide the opposition on Friday, July 25 (7.30pm).

Finally, Wanderers will visit Vale Park to take on League One Port Vale on Wednesday, July 30 (7.45pm).