ITéS hard work all the way for Stockport County now that there are just 17 days to go until the start of the new League Two season.

The Hatters resumed intense training on Monday following their unsuccessful San An Cup bid in Ibiza, while a clutch of friendly fixtures are also now looming large.

Assistant manager Peter Ward said: "Ités full steam ahead for us now. The intensity in training has to be stepped up.

"We are all working hard on the training ground, there will be no more days off for the players between now and the Hereford United game."

Last night [Tues] County were set to travel to UniBond neighbours Woodley Sports for a friendly, and four trialists were pencilled in for a run-out.

Matty Burke from Salford City was given the nod, as was Cammell Lairdés Jamie Maguire.

Between the sticks, goalkeepers Shaun Roberts (a South African) and Tim Deasy (ex-Macclesfield Town) were due to get a half each.

Ward and boss Jim Gannon continue to scour the lower leagues for éhidden gemsé, but no decision has yet been made on whether to offer any of the two Ibiza trialists - Martin Woolforde and Karl Coleman - a professional contract.

Frickley Athletic wide-man Woolforde is away on holiday this week, while Irish goalkeeper Coleman appears to be a man in demand.

Ward said: "Karl is at Barnsley on trial this week, and a number of other League sides are also interested.

"He is a big lad with lots of raw ability, but we did make an impression on him at Stockport."

Ward revealed that there are still a number of other éirons in the fireé on the transfer front, and heés not ruling out possible returns for three players who ended last term on loan at Edgeley Park.

Ward added: "Weéve not given up on Adam Griffin and Jason Taylor returning to Stockport yet, while Kevin OéConnor remains a possibility. Kevin has told us that he is keen to come back.

"We may try and bring him back on a six-month loan deal."

County will field a full-strength side for the majority of Friday nightés tasty friendly game, at home to Rob Kellyés Championship outfit Leicester City.

"That will be a good test for us," said Ward.

"Leicester played some good football last season, especially towards the end of the campaign."

• FORMER County defender Ross Greenwood has signed for Conference side York City.

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