LEE Smith won't be available for Cinderford Town's opening friendly at home to Gloucester City on Thursday night (7.45pm kick-off).

Dan Harrison is also struggling with flu, but other than that the Foresters should be at full strength for an intriguing opener.

The Causeway pitch has taken a battering in recent weeks and is still wet in certain areas.

Most of the club's pre-season training to date has been done at the nearby Heywood School.

Manager Steve Peters said: "The boys are certainly fit. Lifestyles have changed and I honestly believe players today are fitter than when I played.

"I haven't had to work them too hard because they came back ready to play. It meant we were able to concentrate on other things.

"One of the new signings Karim Rendall looks awesome. He's a big left winger who gets forward, but also gets stuck in.

"We've got some very talented lads at this club and if they don't get injured I've got some big decisions to make."