CITY have drawn a line under the trials and tribulations of last season as they reconvene at Apperley Bridge.

Michael Collins took training for the first time with his new coaching team yesterday to kick-off the pre-season regime.

And the head coach does not intend to hark back to City’s collapse in form earlier this year which saw their play-off bid fall away.

He said: “There will be no mention of last season. It’s done and put to bed.

“There’s a line drawn under it and the club have moved on.

“We’re into a new era now and it’s a case of what are you prepared to put forward for yourself this season to create a new chapter in your career?

“As I’ve said, everyone is coming back for a fresh start and what they showcase in pre-season will determine whether they are in the side or not and their future.

“I’m not worried about anyone coming in with any hangover from what happened last year. I’m very confident they will come back flying and we can provide them with an environment they will enjoy coming in to.

“I’m more than happy to support the players as they come back in the building, whether they finished last season well or not.

“But then it’s up to them. If they want to play for this football club then they’ll show that day in, day out and be rewarded. If they don’t, then they won’t. “

City’s summer signings got a first taste of life at their new club as the long slog began towards the League One opener at Shrewsbury on August 4.

Keeper Richard O’Donnell, the seventh addition to the senior ranks so far, was among them after completing his move from Northampton on Wednesday.

But Shay McCartan was a notable absentee on opening day because the Irishman is suffering from tonsillitis.

There was a familiar face among the coaching staff with the return of Robert Lossau.

The 52-year-old German is back at the club as fitness and conditioning coach to replace Chris Short. Lossau was appointed in the summer of 2016 after Edin Rahic and Stefan Rupp bought the club but left after three months for family reasons.

City have also confirmed the appointment of Robbie Bloodworth in a full-time analyst position.

As the youngest boss in the top four divisions, Collins finds himself younger than two of his City squad – Matt Kilgallon and Romain Vincelot.

But the former under-18 coach is confident he will have the respect of the group as the pre-season programme kicks in.

Collins added: “One thing I will use to my benefit is that I’m fresh out of a playing environment.

“I know where the players are coming from and that should give me a good angle to work with them. The other side is that I’m very serious about what I intend to do.

“How I approach players will be slightly different to how it was last season. Relationships naturally have to do that when you step across into the head coach role – but that doesn’t frighten me.”