Russ Burbeary, whose sporting background includes ice hockey and martial arts, has joined the Championship newcomers on a full-time basis.

"You always have to move on in football," said manager Sean O'Driscoll. "We need to be stronger and there are only so many hours in a day, so it is another pair of hands. He is young and enthusiastic.

"The players were fat-tested and they were all spot on. We also bleep tested the players, as we always do on the first day back. They actually tell us what they are going to come back at and they try to hit the target.

"We did a light circuit and then we got the ball out and had a game.

"It is a ten-month season so we are not going to go stupid for the first three days.

"We've worked at an intensity of work that we'd like to carry on at and not just focus on one period.

"There was no problem with the players' touch during the game and it looked as though they had not been away."

Everyone except Richie Wellens and Jason Price, who are both still recovering from recent operations, plus Shaun McDaid and Gordon Greer trained.

"Gordon has had a scan and has aggravated the hip injury he had last season doing some work in his garden," said O'Driscoll. "He could have joined in but we are being careful and will ease him back."

Several other familiar faces were missing with Paul Green, Steve Roberts and Mark McCammon all having moved on since the end of the season.

"These things happen in football and you just move on," said the Rovers boss.

"I couldn't really ask Steve Roberts to wait another four or five weeks to see if we brought in another centre-half because that would have been unfair on him.

"Mark wanted a longer deal and we didn't feel we could commit to that. We tried to compromise but obviously he was offered a longer deal by Gillingham."

The only newcomer, apart from Burbeary, was former Burnley midfielder John Spicer, who has been signed as a replacement for Green.

"They are two different players," said O'Driscoll.

"Paul was a bit more versatile and could play in several positions. We hope to add to John's game.

"Paul had a lot of energy in midfield and had a lot of legs. John has a good attitude and also has good legs and Championship experience.

"We haven't lost the dynamics in midfield; we've got someone else playing there.

"Once John gets used to the surroundings, it will be a seamless transition."

Rovers are in action at Rossington Main tomorrow.

What do you think? Post your comments below.

READ MORE

Football headlines
More Blades
More Owls
More Spireites
More Rovers
More Reds
More Millers
More Ice Hockey
More rugby league
More rugby union
More boxing
Sports columnists
All sport categories