LLANDUDNO manager Sean Eardley praised his squad as they get set to embark on their third “mini pre-season” ahead of the possible JD Cymru North start.

The Tudno boss returned to the club from Caernarfon Town last summer and has built a squad capable of mounting a promotion push, which will be granted by the Football Association of Wales if the 15-game campaign can come to a successful conclusion.

This is an ever-changing situation regarding COVID-19 concerns, but Eardley and his staff have put a programme in place that should enable his group of players to hit the ground running next month.

He said: “We have planned our friendlies with potential dates and know the content we want to deliver as a management team, the players must be commended as this will be their third ‘mini pre-season’ and it takes a lot of patience and perseverance but hopefully it won’t take too long to get up to speed.

“With lads doing their own bits hopefully it won’t take too long, but it will be gradual. After over two months off we can’t go 110 per cent during session one, but we need to make sure we’re getting enough out the lads, it’s something the management team are looking forward to preparing.”

Eardley classed the new shortened format as a sprint they don’t want to get left behind in, highlighting the importance of not only getting off to a good start but complying with the strict rules and regulations to prevent the spread of infection.

“I’m sure the rest of the clubs are the same, but it’s the beginning of a sprint, you can’t get left behind. We want to be challenging and a good start will contribute to that,” he added.

“We got a little taste in the Nathaniel MG Cup about the protocols clubs have to follow, and in our case, we were well looked after at Holyhead.

“Everyone must continue to follow the guidelines and stick together during these unprecedented times, and football has a major part to play in that as it does wonders for club officials, players and volunteers alike in their normal everyday lives.”