IAN Evatt says he is already picking up signs of extra quality on the training ground from his new recruits.

The Wanderers boss believes his side are in good shape as they prepare to start their pre-season fixtures schedule at Longridge Town on Saturday, followed by a local clash with Atherton Colls the following Tuesday.

Last season, Evatt insisted on an early start to training in order to try and bed down a squad which would eventually include more than 20 new signings.

This time around, however, he does not foresee the same problems – something he puts down to the better standard of player he has been able to bring in.

“I think they are already settling in,” he said. “We have seen that in training over the last week or so.

“Obviously, the higher division we’re in and the better the quality of player we’ve recruited, they pick things up quicker and more naturally.

“I think, for instance, Xav (Amaechi) gets the movement of that wide forward that we require.

“He has had an excellent education. He was at Arsenal and has played in all the England age groups so he understands it pretty quickly. It’s great that we’ve got him for the start of pre-season to fit in everything else.”