Squad training started last Tuesday, with most players reporting a clean bill of health, and the the first of eight pre season matches for the Dolly Blues took place at home against Blackburn Rovers XI on Wednesday.

"A lot of hard work has been done throughout the summer and most of the squad have come back flying," said Stimpson. "This will give us more time to work on the technical side of things with everyone coming back in good condition. We've probably got more games in pre season than I'd have wanted to play, but there's a couple of matches in there that will give me the chance to see the players in a real game situation."

Saturday's match at home to Peel AFC of The Isle of Man will involve a few triallers, including striker Paul Fildes, from Kendal Town, who looks set to sign for Lancaster.

"He's a proven goal scorer, and I'm looking forward to bringing him in to put a bit of pressure on Dave Foster, Mark Jackson and Jimmy Love. I said last year I was looking to bring in a fourth striker, so we'll see how he shapes up. Five or six of the squad didn't achieve anywhere near their best last season but there's been a lot of improvements so it feels like I have four or five new signings this season. On paper we've got a really formidable squad at this level of play."

Pre season matches include home games against Barrow on July 22, Fleetwood on July 26, Morecambe on July 29 and Leigh Genesis, who have now gone full-time, on July 31. The only away game is at Kidsgrove Athletic on August 2. Kendal Town at home on August 9 completes the pre season warm ups.

Lancaster will start the season proper on August 16 away against Harrogate Railway.

"Skelmersdale at home on the 19th will be a tough one but we are delighted to entertain Halifax Town on the 23rd for their first away game of the season so we're hoping for a good turnout at that one," Stimpson added.