Mark Atkinson is enjoying getting to know the new faces in his squad as he continues to mould his team for the 2017-18 season.
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Last weekend the youth team put two weeks of fitness-fuelled preparations to good use with a 6-0 victory over Gateshead.
Determined to keep the Lads’ feet on the ground, though, Atkinson has told safc.com his squad are in a good place as they turn their attentions to a behind closed door friendly against Oldham Athletic this weekend.
“The games will start to come thick and fast and we will start to find out more about the players,” he said.
“This period is very much like a honeymoon period for the new lads at the minute.
“We are getting to know them both on a personal level and on the football pitch also.
“Their attitude has been first class and they are learning about the rules we have her at the academy. They are only young lads but it’s just a settling in period for them now.
“Once we get in the routine of playing on Saturday's and training and college during the week, around September and October it hits them.
“We expect that, especially with the first years,” he continued.
“They will start to be tired and lethargic on some days because it is so much to get used to.
“At the minute, they are in a good place because it is new and they are excited to be around the place.”
