BARROW AFC manager Pete Wild is out to make a good impression to fans when his squad open the 2022/2023 season with a friendly against Holker Old Boys on Saturday.

The Bluebirds are approaching the end of the first week of pre-season and Wild admits he cannot wait for the weekend.

Writing in his weekly blog for the club’s website, he said: “The lads have come back in excellent shape and are really starting to get to grips with the surroundings of our new training ground at De La Salle. I have to say that the staff have done a fantastic job of preparing the training ground and it already feels like home.

“It’s been great to see the integration of the new players with the existing squad. Everyone’s getting on really well and I’m a firm believer in that the quicker the squad unites, the better the dressing room will be. I’m very impressed with what I’ve seen from the new lads and the existing group.

“I know I speak on behalf of myself, the coaching staff and players when I say that we are all excited about the friendly on Saturday. It’s our first chance to make an impression to fans and show off some of the work we’ve done this week.”