Wright '˜really happy' with his Corby squad as they swing back into action

Tommy Wright keeps a watchful eye over proceedings as Corby Town returned for pre-season training. Pictures by Alison Bagley

The new-look Steelmen squad reported back for pre-season training at Steel Park on Saturday with boss Wright and new assistant-manager Cleveland Taylor leading their players through a tough two-hour session.

Corby are preparing for a campaign in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division and their new signings were all on show during their return for pre-season.

Their first friendly is at Eynesbury Rovers a week tomorrow (Tuesday, July 12).

The Steelmen players are put through their paces

And Wright was pleased with the shape his players returned in.

“I was really happy with it to be honest and I was surprised at the level of fitness within the squad for the first day back,” the Steelmen boss said.

“The only two missing were Danny Draper and Callum Ball as they were still on holiday but they will both come back into it this week.

“Overall, it was really good. We started with a team meeting so all the boys could get to know each other and then we worked them for two hours.

Cleveland Taylor was back with Corby Town in his new role as assistant-manager

“It worked well. Cleveland put them through a lot of running and with him on board in a coaching role, there’s no doubt that we will be a very fit team because he will keep pushing them.

“We did some ball work, which I think the lads enjoyed but it was a very good first session and I am sure the players were feeling it afterwards.”

As far as further recruitment is concerned, Wright confirmed they will be looking at another goalkeeper after he revealed Sam Donkin won’t be staying at Steel Park.

But the manager also confirmed youngsters Michael Ogilvie, Luke Aridegbe and Sekou Kromah have now been added to the first-team squad.

The Corby players were put through a tough two-hour session at Steel Park

“We will be having a look at another goalkeeper at the weekend,” he added.

“Sam Donkin isn’t staying, he has an opportunity elsewhere and we wish him well.

“He’s a good, young goalkeeper and he has left on very good terms and is grateful for progression he has made with us.

“There’s probably going to be room for one more after that but I want to have a look at things a bit closer before we decide which area of the squad we need to add to.”

Corby's players were put through fitness and weight work on their first day back

The Steelmen, meanwhile, have confirmed Utility Bidder will be the club’s main sponsor for the forthcoming campaign.

The two parties have signed an deal which will see Utility Bidder’s company logo displayed on the front of the Steelmen shirts next season and become the club’s main partner.

Utility Bidder is an energy consultancy firm that works with businesses to lower energy outgoings, by using a unique reverse auction which enables the largest UK suppliers to bid for their business.

The company moved to Corby from Market Harborough in September 2015 to expand and has since been actively involved in the Corby business community.

Utility Bidder managing director James Longley is a director at the club and has worked closely with them for two years.

He said: “We’re really excited to be sponsoring Corby Town this season and we are enthusiastic about being part of the Corby business network.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for us to be part of a thriving community and have no doubt about the potential the club possesses.”