DAVID Flitcroft cannot wait to pull his boots back on and begin his real work as Swindon Town’s new manager when the squad report back in for pre-season training today.

Since his appointment at the County Ground back on June 5, Flitcroft has been busy behind the scenes, getting to know all aspects of the club as well as overseeing their recruitment drive and attempting to organise a full summer schedule of friendlies.

But now three weeks into the job, Flitcroft can finally turn his attentions to the primary focus of working directly with players and getting them fully prepared for the start of the League Two season on August 5.

Flitcroft has told his players to expect an intense six-week programme as he looks to implement his philosophy and the 43-year-old is itching to see what the Town squad are made of first-hand.

“The first day the lads get into the training complex it’s got to smell like work, it’s got to feel like work, it’s got to be work and that’s something I have been instilling down there,” said Flitcroft.

“Getting on the grass, that’s our office. I am hands-on, I love being on the grass.

“I love developing players, I have been a development coach and an assistant manager. I have had a fantastic upbringing with my coaching.

“If you are going to do anything, you have to drive it from within. There’s nothing I’d ask a player to do that I wouldn’t do still, that’s something I am big on.

“I can’t wait to get the players together and get out on the grass. We’re going to make sure they understand my methodology and work ethic and that they understand they have got to commit to Swindon Town.”

Town have tried to put the onus on playing an entertaining brand of football in recent years, although that did not prevent them from dropping out of League One.

Although Flitcroft still wants to put together a side that is easy on the eye, he knows that sterner foundations must be put in place first.

“There are two sides of football, in possession and out of possession,” said Flitcroft.

“I love a team that is expressive, I love a team that can attack and play fast, flowing football, but I also understand the words structure and substance.

“I wasn’t a fantastic player, I valued the team ethic and these players will understand that’s what they have to value.

“They will understand what it means to put on a Swindon shirt and what it means to play for Swindon Town.”

Meanwhile, Town have added a third pre-season friendly to their summer programme and will take on League One side Oldham Athletic in a behind-closed-doors match, at the County Ground on Friday, July 14.

The match adds to Town’s confirmed summer fixtures against non-league sides Swindon Supermarine and Melksham Town.