IT was back to the grind for Worcester City as Andy Preece's troops returned for pre-season training.

Under the imposing Worcester Cathedral, player-manager Preece and assistant Andy Morrison put the squad through their paces with sessions at King's School over the weekend.

Among those getting in to the routine were City's summer recruits -- defender Chris Smith and veteran midfielder Graham Hyde.

The new duo were joined by many familiar faces, such as goalkeeper Danny McDonnell, midfielder Jai Stanley and strike partners Adam Webster and Leon Kelly.

Worcester continue their fitness work this week, on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings, in preparation for a series of mouth-watering friendlies at St George's Lane.

Preece's former side Carlisle United are City's first opponents on Thursday, July 14, before Paul Merson brings his Walsall side to town on July 16.

City kick-start their bid for promotion from Nationwide North on Saturday August 13, with a tough away trip at Kettering Town.