Hartlepoolunited.co.uk spoke to Sam Collins after a particularly tough training session yesterday.

The big defender and his team mates had been put through their paces on the running track by Fitness Coach Dan Lewis and, as Collins admitted, training is not getting any easier,

"That was probably one of the hardest ones we have had so far.

"We had to do eight four-hundred metres - it was tough but all the lads are looking really fit now and we've got three or four games left until the start of the season and we're looking in good shape."

After an interrupted end to the campaign last year, Collins is now looking forward to getting the new season underway,

"It got a little bit frustrating towards the end of last season, I was pleased with the way the games went but obviously I was suspended and then I had that problem with my ribs.

"It was just one of those things though, it was a bit stop/start. I'm just looking forward to the season starting now and hopefully we'll get off to a good start."

And the former Hull City man admits the players will be trying to ensure they are all fit and ready to go for the Colchester United game,

"It's one of those things where you're half being a little bit cautious because you want to be fit come August 9^th.

"You don't want to be flying into stupid tackles and getting injured - the biggest thing is getting through games and getting as many minutes under your belt as possible.

"Touch wood, so far there haven't been any problems with me or any of the lads."

And Collins is hoping that the weekend's big Centenary Tournament is another positive one for Pools,

"I've played in Tournaments before but they're usually abroad so to have one at our own place should be really good.

"We've got three decent teams coming in, including my old team Huddersfield and a few of my mates play for them.

"Hopefully it'll be a good weekend - it'll be another big step towards being ready for our first game of the season and hopefully we'll get another couple of good results."

Click here for ticketing details for the Centenary Tournament.