ROSS Hannah joined his Grimsby Town team-mates for the start of pre-season training and insisted: "I've been desperate to boot a ball again!"
The Mariners returned from their summer break yesterday, and were immediately put through their paces by manager Paul Hurst.
After two months of inactivity, it was day of mixed emotions for Hannah, pictured, and co.
"I don't think anybody particularly looks forward to pre-season, but I wouldn't say I dread it either," the striker told the Telegraph.
"It's got to be done and is part and parcel of being a footballer. We get paid to be full-time footballers.
"I've worked for a living so I know what getting up early and grafting properly is like, so I'll gladly take any type of running as my full-time job!
"It's not much fun, but you definitely get your rewards later in the season."
Last season's top goalscorer added: "When the season finishes you're usually ready for a break, but after two weeks off you're itching to get back into it.
"I've been occupied with my little boy, and it's been brilliant spending lots of time with him – he's kept me busy and on my toes!
"But you find yourself thinking ahead to the new season and just desperate to boot a ball again."
