NEIL Harris has hailed a positive first day of pre-season training as the club began assessing players’ fitness levels yesterday.
The Millwall boss was impressed with the physical condition of the squad, who also met Andy Frampton for the first time in his new capacity.
“Yesterday was an exceptional day,” Harris said. “It was great to see the boys come back in. In some ways it feels like the season’s just finished from last year and we’re starting again already. But in other ways it’s felt long a long summer.
“So I was just really pleased to see the boys face-to-face and to see the state they came back in, very good.
“The modern game dictates that the players have to come back in in good shape. They looked really good. There was a really good spirit amongst the boys on day one so I’m really pleased with them.”
This week’s two new acquisitions Jordan Archer and Joe Martin joined the squad for the first time and Harris feels a few familiar faces will ease the latter’s assimilation into his new team.
Harris said: “Yeah, Joe’s good. You know what you’re getting with him. He’s a good solid character, a good lad. He comes highly recommended, professionally and character-wise.
“He spent time obviously with John Marquis last year, and knowing Andy Frampton always helps. He’s a good lad. It’ll make life easier settling in here.”
Meanwhile Carlos Edwards came through the first session unscathed after a long injury layoff and Harris expects to negotiate a new deal with the defender if he proves his fitness.
“Carlos looks really good. The first few days are testing and Carlos tested really well. He’s a senior player in the squad now but he’s always had great energy.
“He’s been working really hard for three months now. He’s going to be tested physically. The next test after that is going to be the football side of things over the next couple of weeks.
“He still has a lot to prove, not just to me and the club, but to himself. I believe he can get back to his best and be the player he showed us he was.
“When he gets to that stage we’ll sit down and discuss a new contract. He brings so many good attributes to the football club, on and off the field. A fit and firing Carlos Edwards would certainly be a good addition to my squad.”