COLWYN Bay manager Craig Hogg has been pleased with what he has seen from his squad during the initial stages of pre-season.

The Seagulls’ are in the midst of a rigorous training schedule to ready themselves for a return to the Welsh pyramid at FAW Tier 2 North League level this term, with the group meeting twice weekly at the impressive new facility at Parc Eirias in Colwyn Bay.

They are one of the fancied sides to secure promotion to the JD Welsh Premier League providing the group adapt to their new situation and the pressures that come with it, and Hogg is confident that he has acquired the right mix of youth and experience ahead of the significant challenges that lie ahead.

He said: “We've completed four sessions and the players have worked very hard indeed, along with the backroom staff who have all worked really well together.

“On the squad front I feel there has been a really good 'buy-in' from the players in terms of how we work and that is hugely encouraging.

“The lads have taken ownership of the standards we've set each other as a dressing room and it is a big plus to see that happening so early on in the pre-season schedule.

“Another big positive has also been the way in which the younger lads have fitted in and trained over the past week.

“They have caught up with the speed and tempo of the sessions and have done well.”

The new-look Bay squad will take the field for the first time on July 9 when they travel to Vauxhall Motors, with their initial first friendly fixture against Runcorn Town postponed due to the unavailability of playing personnel on both sides.