HEREFORD United first-team coach Richard Sneekes has praised the players for returning to the club in fine shape.

The Bulls began pre-season training last week and head off for a five-day trip to Spain next Saturday.

Although the new season is more than a month away, former West Brom midfielder Sneekes, appointed to the coaching staff following the departure of Dave Kevan, has been impressed with the squad.

The 42-year-old Dutchman said: “We’re only a week into pre-season and we are just letting them play and make mistakes at the moment because there’s a lot of rustiness to get out.

“But we’ll fine tune it over the next few weeks. It’s amazing how fit the players have kept themselves and that’s a credit to them and the management.

“Jamie Pitman and Russell Hoult have given me a great opportunity and I am pleasantly surprised about the fitness, willingness to work hard and the technical ability of the players.

“We’ve got a really good squad here and, hopefully, we can gel them together.”

Sneekes, who last played professionally in 2002, added: “Once you’re out of football, it’s very hard to get back in and I am grateful for the chance and, hopefully, we will get things right on the pitch.”