SELBY TOWN boss David Ricardo says he can’t wait for pre-season to get started.

The new Robins chief, who took over from Jimmy Reid who stepped down at the end of the last campaign, has finalised his programme ahead of the club’s assault on the Northern Counties East League first division.

The schedule kicks off on Saturday with the visit of Tadcaster Albion (2pm), a game arranged after original opponents Wakefield went out of business.

Ricardo has also secured an eye-catching friendly with North Ferriby United, who came close to promotion to the Conference, as part of a seven- match programme which will also see his side entertain Pickering Town.

“Both myself and the coaches are looking forward to the coming weeks now that pre-season is finally upon us,” Ricardo said.

“A lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes this time of year in terms of organising pre-season sessions, attracting players to the club and developing ties within the club to hopefully help bring the U19s through into the first team.

“I am pleased to confirm that North Ferriby Utd are coming to us on July 15. This was one of the last fixtures to arrange but arguably the one that both the club and myself wanted as they had such a great season last year in only being one game away from being promoted to the Conference.”

Selby pre-season fixtures: July 5, Tadcaster Albion (home, 2pm), July 8, Maltby (home, 7.45pm), July 12, Barton (away, 3pm), July 15 North Ferriby United (home, 7.45pm), July 26, Pickering (home, 3pm); July 29, Bridlington (home, 7.45pm), August 5, Scarborough (home, 7.45pm).