PICKERING Town have made an early start to pre-season training boosted by the return of former captain Tom Adams.

Manager Jimmy Reid hailed a “great addition” as Adams re-signed from Scarborough Athletic to join in preparations for the Northern Counties East League campaign.

“Tom is making a return and I am confident he will be a great addition to our team,” said Reid.

Reid hopes that early pre-season training and a good start will help the Pikes to gain a top spot in next season’s premier division.

Last season Pickering managed to overcome a poor start to achieve a fifth-place finish and lift the North Riding Senior Cup for the first time in their history.

Reid, who had his players back in training last Wednesday, believes preparation is the key to making a strong start when the league opens in August.

“One or two players were on holiday but the main reason our pre-season training started on June 12 is so we can assess what needs work as early as possible,” he said.

“We wanted to get in as much training as we could for our upcoming friendlies. This allows us to get a good idea of who’s in shape and who needs more work.

“Unfortunately, we made a bad start last season but pulled it back to gain fifth place.”

Added Reid: “The first seven games were away because we share with a cricket pitch and this affected our performance.

“Next season, a good start is key to attaining a top spot. Our early training will help us achieve this.”

Friendlies have an important role to play in improving on last season. The Pikes boss explained: “Like training, our pre-season matches will help us to determine the strengths and weaknesses of our team before the competitive matches begin.”

After their comeback last year, Reid is hoping to capitalise on Pickering’s top-five finish with more prospects of silverware.

“We are aiming to reach the first round of the FA Cup and we wish to retain our North Riding Senior Cup from last year,” he said.

Pickering’s manager believes that his team have got what it takes to make an impact, adding: “Our squad is more than capable of getting a top-five spot.”

The Pikes will play Beverley Town on July 11, Old Malton St Mary’s on July 23, Scarborough Athletic on July 30 and Whitby Town on August 8, all at Mill Lane.

On July 27, they will travel to Knaresborough Town, while they are away to Bishop Auckland in the Eric Powell Charity Cup on August 3.