Bobby Wilkinson has been pleased by the way that Wealdstone’s players have returned for pre-season, as the Ruislip club step up their preparations for the upcoming National League South campaign.

The Stones boss has certainly been putting the players through their paces during training at the Harefield Academy, with the squad undergoing the bleep test and various fitness activities last Thursday, while also taking part in small tactical matches with the ball.

Wilkinson’s men kicked off their pre-season with a 3-3 draw with Bracknell Town ten days ago, which has since been backed up this week with a 1-0 win over Marlow thanks to David Pratt’s goal and a 2-0 defeat in a behind closed doors friendly against Reading u23s.

The friendlies are coming thick and fast for the Stones, who head to Swindon Supermarine on Saturday, before hosting National League outfit Maidenhead United at the Vale on Tuesday night.

By the time the National League South campaign kicks off, Wealdstone will have played 10 friendlies and Wilkinson intends to test his players during pre-season so that the Stones have one of the fittest sides in the division.

Speaking last week, he said: “The boys have been really committed to this football club, myself and my management team. We’ve got the balls out straight away, but we are working them really hard.

“I’ve said in many interviews that I will always have a fit and organised side because that’s so important and doesn’t cost money. That doesn’t cost anything apart from hard work and if you’re not fit and organised, that’s the manager’s fault. First things first, we’ve got to get fit. Everyone is training hard at every football club but we’ve got to train harder.

“We have one or two who I’m not happy with if I’m being open and honest because they have been on holidays. I have to say that 99% of the squad have come back fit and strong. A lot of them know me well because if they don’t come back fit and strong, then they just won’t be included or they won’t be part of the squad when it comes down to the final 18.”

Wealdstone have been handed a home game on the opening day of the National League South season, with Weston-super-Mare set to visit the Vale on Saturday, August 4.

But a tough opening month will see the Stones travel to Wilkinson’s former side Hungerford Town, as well as newly promoted Billericay, before Woking and Concord Rangers visit the Vale.

Wilkinson, though, is delighted to start the season at home and is relishing the Stones’ tough start to the campaign.

“I’m really pleased to get a home game but it’s going to be a tough one as they are a very good footballing side,” he said.

“We’ve got to focus on what we’re trying to do. I think the first ten games are very difficult. You’ve got Billericay, Woking, Dartford and Concord all in there. It’s going to be very difficult but you’ve got to play them some time. We’ll certainly be trying and giving it a good go.”