FIACRE Kelleher admits to being more of a “trudger” than a pacesetter in City’s pre-season running.

But the time spent in the pack at the back end of the training routes set out by Derek Adams has allowed the Irishman to quickly get to know those around him.

The centre half believes the four-day getaway on the outskirts of Glasgow proved the perfect opportunity for bonds to be forged within the squad – benefits he hopes will ultimately be seen at the sharp end.

He said: “The trip came at the right time, giving us the chance to get to know one another.

“You learn things about people’s situations, whether they have wives and kids and things like that.

“That’s important you get to know the person as well as the footballer.”

As one of eight recruits since Adams was appointed, Kelleher can appreciate City’s advanced planning and how they can use the next month wisely building up for a season when they will be ranked among League Two’s promotion favourites.

“It’s something I’ve not come across before,” he added. “There’s always been players coming in and out before the window closes.

“It definitely has its benefits having everyone in already. You’re with each other from day one and going through the same things in pre-season.

“You can build a camaraderie and get close to each other. The more you do that, the more you care about each other and that’s only going to stand us in good stead.

“Everybody is in it together and you find out who can get through it. So far we’ve all done that, although I’m one of those at the back trudging along.

“But the harder it is sometimes the more enjoyable it is because you get more out of it. You feel better after you’ve done the work.

“We all have to be of a good fitness because of the way the gaffer likes to play with high energy and to press.

“We’re starting at the same level to make sure we’re as fit as one another.”

Kelleher is excited to be back in the fourth tier after a year in the National League at Wrexham.

His last experience of League Two was a bitter one with Macclesfield who were relegated – and then folded – due to financial irregularities.

As captain of the side, being sent down for what was happening off the pitch rather than on it was tough to take.

“We’d played really well for those two seasons we were in League Two. We were very competitive.

“We were a club without much money and at the time we played Bradford (and drew 1-1), we’d been a few weeks without pay.

“That showed the level of commitment that was there. All credits to the lads for that.

“It really wasn’t easy and I was stuck in a pickle after that season.

“Once Covid hit, I thought we were staying in the league. But come August time, we went through the whole court system and it turned out we were getting relegated.

“That put me in no man’s land with only a week or two to find a club. It ended quite badly for me from that perspective.

“But I’m delighted Macclesfield are starting from scratch again and have the club back.

“The fans are playing a big part as well and it’s nice for them to just have that type of ownership again and not be taken over by someone dodgy.”

Kelleher had Hollywood owners last season at Wrexham when actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought the Welsh club in February, although the pandemic’s travel restrictions meant he never got to meet them.

His own script was about establishing himself again as an EFL player with a solid campaign.

“That’s why I only signed a one-year deal. I knew if I did well enough that I’d get my chance to come back again.

“I was pretty confident that once I played to the level I had been in the two seasons before that it would work out. It was only a matter of getting the right phone call at the right time.”

Adams did not need to sell City to the 25-year-old, who has never played at Valley Parade before – something he cannot wait to put right.

Kelleher said: “It will be some spectacle and I’m really looking forward to it. Hopefully, it’s going to be an exciting year.

“The gaffer comes with expectation having done well at different clubs and obviously got promoted last year at Morecambe.

“We have a group of players who believe we are good enough so hopefully that will happen.”

Kelleher is ready for the battle to get into the side with regular centre halves Paudie O’Connor and Niall Canavan.

“They are two very good lads and it’s going to be good competition through the season.

“There are some really good centre halves at this club. But it’s a long old season and there will be plenty of opportunity for all of us to play at some stage.”