IF they didn’t know before about the fitness levels that manager Brad Quinton will be demanding from them, Braintree Town’s new-look squad certainly do now.

Quinton had the first chance to cast his eye over his new group of players when they convened for the first time at the start of pre-season training last weekend - and he is happy with what he is seeing.

The new Iron boss said strong fitness levels were a key component of his success as Enfield Town manager over the last three years and now he has taken the helm at the club he graced more than 500 times as a player, he is putting his stamp on the team he is putting together. And he isn’t giving anyone a gentle introduction.

“We did three and a half hours on Saturday,” said Quinton.

“Some of them felt the pace, but it worked very well and they were pleased with what we covered.

“I know some coaches don’t do ball work at this stage, but we like to get them working with balls and I think they enjoyed the session.

“We demand players to be fit and you could see that at Enfield last year where people had the fitness to be going into the last 20 minutes of games still working hard.

“So we work them hard and that’s the case through the whole of the season - not just pre-season.

“Their energy levels have to be there in each game and they have to be doing stuff on their own as well as with us in training otherwise they will find themselves on the bench or heading elsewhere.”

Quinton announced his three latest signings ahead of the first session.

All three - defender Ricky Gabriel, striker Nigel Neita and midfielder Connor Bolton - have arrived from the manager’s previous club and he is still looking to add further. Braintree had a trial game last week where prospective new players had a chance to showcase themselves, but while a few caught Quinton’s eye, he is prepared to be patient over more new signings.

“The trial game went very well,” added Quinton.

“We had one or two who we have invited back so we can have another look at them this week.

“Some of them have trials going on elsewhere as well, but you understand that.

“You keep tabs on them and hope that it falls your way or that someone else won’t see what you see in them.

“We’re well aware that that’s the way it works, but we have another couple who we are looking at as well.

“Our contacts are delivering now and we are getting the right blend.

“I’m still very happy with how it’s going and we still have a few weeks left to make final decisions.

“It’s important that we don’t rush it.

“It can be a revolving door at this time of year and it’s very important to keep our eyes open, but we have to be focused on our targets.

“I’m still looking at one or two positions that I want more depth and one of those is definitely at centre half.

“But it needs to be the right player and someone who fits into our squad and formation - they have to be capable both on and off the ball.”