Macclesfield's director of rugby Geoff Wappett says he’s delighted with his squad’s pre-season training so far.

Wappett, who has brought in 10 new players this summer, says he and assistant coach Andy Northey have been impressed by the enthusiasm and attitude of all those at Priory Park.

Although so far the sessions have been mainly concentrating on fitness, Wappett is happy with the progress so far.

"Andy and myself are very excited about our prospects," he said. "It looks a pretty lively bunch and with these young lads that we have here we’ve got a ‘no fear’ attitude running through the squad. They’re looking to flex their muscles and I’m enjoying watching them work

"We have sessions three times a week and it’s a bit frustrating that we’ve not had everyone there all the time but this is semi-professional rugby and the lads have other commitments, with work and their families.

"They’ve still got it to do and it’s difficult for us to be able to make a full assessment before we’ve played our first pre-season game but we feel we’ve picked up one or two exciting young talents.

"The lads are mostly using the tractor tyres, lifting them, running and throwing and it’s good preparation for our season; what we do now is key to our chances this season.

"It would take a long while for anyone to catch up if, for whatever reason, they aren’t able to get a full pre-season in."

In addition to the new Blues, Wappett is set to welcome back Chris Jones, who missed the bulk of Macclesfield’s campaign with an horrific leg break.

"Chris is now starting to run well and he’s beginning to do other things other than just run," he added. "It’s been such a long time since he played and hopefully he’ll be able to play some part in our pre-season games.

"He’s a big player for us and a good man to have around.

"We’ve also got Dean Williams on the way back from an operation to clear out his knee. He’s been suffering with it and probably played seven or eight games towards the end of the season with that problem, so it’s good that he’s got that sorted.

"Also, Alan Marsh, who’s a big powerful lad at the best of times, had his groin problems in the last year but he’s clearly been working hard in the gym and he’s transformed himself." So that’s three players who will be raring to go and it’s like having three fresh, new players as well."

Macclesfield will have an internal match at Priory Park, pitting the top two teams’ players against each other on Saturday, August 11 (ko 11am) and supporters are welcome to go along and watch.