But it isn't going to be all fun and games on the coast, as the Blues step up their preparations ahead of their first friendly, at home to Northwich Victoria on Wednesday (kick-off 7-30 p.m.).

Joint boss Neil Reynolds has been delighted with the attitude of his players after returning to the hard graft of pre-season last Thursday.

And he is varying their training with some innovative methods, as he explained: "We took the lads up the castle steps in Clitheroe, and tonight we are off to the sand dunes in Blackpool for some more hard work.

"But it's not all running. I've been whipped up and down hills in training, but we try and incorporate the footballs as early as possible, because it can be a bit soul destroying otherwise.

"I wouldn't be much of a coach if I just sent them for a run, there is a lot of ball work, although that will be hard graft as well."

A whopping 62 players reported to Shawbridge for the first session last week, and, as Reynolds noted: "A lot came down on the back of the appeal in the Advertiser."

And the task now is to sift through that batch of talent to a more manageable number: "We had 22/23 first team players back, and 40 others down with the reserves, and we had a hard session.

"Because of numbers, we will have to whittle that 40 down to 25 or so, so we had a trial game on Tuesday, with another tonight.

"But I was thrilled with the turnout, and although it was a bit chaotic at first, when we were up and running, we all trained together as a team.

"We had lads down with North West Counties experience, and some talented lads from the Ribble Valley, so there was a great blend."

Reynolds' players have kept themselves ticking over nicely ahead of the forthcoming campaign, and he praised their dedication: "The lads are looking good, and their fitness levels are exceptional.

"We came in on Saturday to do bleep tests, and we will do that again in four weeks, but I was chuffed with all of them.

"A couple of them had injuries or have had a break over the summer, but as a whole they are all at a good level."

And the search for players for now and the future continues, after Reynolds helped set up a mutually beneficial link-up with St Mary's College in Blackburn.

The college are to start an Academy in September, and will use Shawbridge for a number of games, while Clitheroe get the chance to run the rule over players.

Reynolds said: "There are already four or five players who have caught our eye, and a couple in 12 months could come through to the first team squad.

"If we only get one signing out of it, it's of benefit – that one player could just be a gem and raise the club some money, or just do well for the first team.

"We have to explore these avenues, and we thank St Mary's for their co-operation."

In the meantime, Reynolds turns his attentions towards Northwich, and the return of former Blue Joel Byrom on Wednesday: "It is going to be a really tough test, but the scoreline will be immaterial.

"We are looking to put on a good performance and get something out of the game.

"It is probably the toughest game of our schedule, but a good one to have as it will show us what stage we are at.

"And we didn't want to play Northwich in our last game, with them at the peak of their fitness, as our confidence could maybe have taken a hit.

"It is one to look forward to though, and it will be good to see Joel back at Shawbridge.""