Bristol City players and staff returned to the High Performance Centre today for their first day of pre-season as preparations begin for the 2022/23 Championship campaign.
Six weeks after that final day defeat to losing play-off finalists Huddersfield Town, Robins players were back for the first few steps of what will be a long nine months with plenty of twists and turns to come.
New faces such as Kal Naismith, Kane Wilson and Mark Sykes were present and keen to impress their new manager Nigel Pearson after all joining on free transfers.
Players were put through the bleep test which gives staff an understanding of the players fitness, as well as work on the exercise bikes as well as some light ball work on the training pitches.
Players were able to catch up after spending time away on their holidays, getting away from the pressures of professional football as they recharge their batteries.
Some players such as Alex Scott, Andreas Weimann, Nahki Wells and Antoine Semenyo were absent after their seasons were extended after being called up for international duty.
Kasey Palmer meanwile who is set to for a move to Championship rivals Coventry City was not present as he continues his holidays, as well as Robbie Cundy, who is out of contract in the next ten days.
With the season beginning on July 30, City have decided to bring their players in earlier to prepare them for the upcoming campaign with 46 league games guaranteed, as well as the Carabao and FA Cup with a mid-season break included.
There is still over a fortnight however until the players are back in match action with Cheltenham Town the opposition at the High Performance Centre for the first match of pre-season, scheduled for Wednesday, July 6.
City have opted not to play any home matches in front of their spectators with the only opportunities to watch the newest recruits in action in person being games against AFC Bournemouth and Plymouth Argyle.
1. Tomas Kalas is back!
Back and ready to go. Tomas Kalas had surgery last season for an injury but now he’s back and ready for action. Photo: Fever Pitch
2. Han-Noah Massengo appears
Despite scorching conditions, Han-Noah Massengo has persisted with his iconic afro. His future at City is undecided with a year left to go on his contract but he was one of the players present which is a slight boost. Photo: Fever Pitch
3. Kal Naismith gets a feel at the HPC
Kal Naismith, signed on a free transfer from Luton Town, on the training ground on his first day as a Bristol City player. Photo: Fever Pitch
4. Skipper is all smiles
He admitted he’s not a fan of pre-season but Bristol City skipper Daniel Bentley was all smiles in a pitch session. Photo: Fever Pitch