ALEX MEECHAN enjoyed last week’s two friendly derbies in particular but the new Avenue head coach has been pleased with all of his side’s pre-season build-up.

They drew 2-2 at home to neighbours City in the Bradford derby and prior to that lost 3-2 to old rivals Guiseley.

But going right back to their 5-2 win at Northern Counties East League Division One side Eccleshill United in their opening friendly, Meechan feels his evolving squad has got something out of every game.

He said: “Pre-season has not been bad at all.

“The games are important but not in terms of results. Yes, we all like to win and it sends the fans home happy. But it’s the game time, match fitness and the working on different systems and tactics that is more vital.

“Pre-season is all about getting ready for when the league starts but each and every game has given us a new challenge. Even the Consett game (a 7-0 away win), it might have looked one-sided but I think that was because we did such a professional job.

“It’s a good club with a good set-up and they’re no mugs. They play in a tough league and they have players there who have played the circuit, many of them have been at a higher level at some point in their careers.

“But we put the things we had worked on in training into practice and we played really well, especially in the second half. There were good performances from everyone in squad.”

Meechan says training has gone well in addition to warm-up matches..

“Every training session has been how I want it to be and the games have been enjoyable for the lads,” he said.

“I like to see a lot of structure put in by the staff and a lot of effort from the players but I like every session to end with a bit of fun. I think it’s important that the lads have a bit of banter and bond a little.

“If you have the right blend with the right attitude and enough character you can be successful.

“I think success is built on the training ground and that’s how medals are won on the pitch.”