BOTH Weymouth and Dorchester have reported to Echosport that they have returned fighting fit at the start of the new campaign.

The Terras and the Magpies have both got back into the swing of pre-season this week, having also welcomed their respective new additions.

Weymouth player-manager Jason Matthews was delighted to re-unite his squad. Reporting on their opening session, he told Echosport: “It was a good first night.

“I think the boys found it hard but enjoyed it, we want to kick on now.

“The fitness levels were very good which is really nice and gives us a chance to kick on with different things a little bit earlier in preseason.

“There was some good fitness from some of the reserves as well and, overall, it was pleasing.

“It takes us into today quite nicely where we will be working on the beach.”

The Terras’ boss also hinted that he may be looking to add to his group relatively soon.

“We may have one more addition in the near future,” he claimed.

Meanwhile, Magpies’ first-team coach Stuart Heath was enthralled by the shape of his playing staff.

He added: “From my point of view it is certainly the fittest state I have seen the first-team squad turn up in for the first session since I have been at the club.

“I think that is a reflection of the professional attitude the players have got at the club at the moment. They turned up in great shape.

“We are going to work them hard but when you have players that come back in good shape already it makes the process of getting sharp easier and quicker.

“I wouldn’t expect anything less really because we have worked hard to attract players to the club with good attitudes and a good approach to their games.

“There were a few trialists but we are looking for quality rather than quantity. It’s a case of getting the players in that we trust to be fully fit and sharp over the next few weeks.”