BRIDPORT manager Adam Fricker has been given a double boost after the club’s first pre-season session of the new campaign at St Mary’s Field.

Fricker told Echosport last week that he expected to have a number of “meaningful conversations” with several players over their commitment to the club for the coming year, and has now revealed that striker Mark Salter stays on a 12-month deal.

A second fillip for the Bees’ boss came in the form of the squad’s fitness levels, with Fricker praising his players for their “professionalism”.

Commenting on both positives, Fricker said: “It all went really well. We’re expecting pretty much 99 per cent of last season’s team to sign on. Mark Salter has given us 100 per cent commitment to staying on for another season, that’s great news.

“The lads came back with a good level of fitness, although the session was tough for them they looked pretty sharp. I was pleased by that and it was good to get back into it and hit the ground running.

“We trust them to come back with a decent level of fitness. It’s good that they took the responsibility without having to be told, so credit to them for their professionalism.”

Fricker also welcomed striker Tom Richardson back at training, while Paul Thorpe took his opening session as part of the first-team management set-up.

“Tom played at Bridport the season before last and it’s great to have him in the changing room. He’s really bonded with the lads after just one session.

“Paul brought a lot of professionalism to what we’re doing with some different drills too. He’s got the banter with the lads and he’s going to fit in well.

“He freed up myself and Paddy to chat with the lads and see how people are working,” he said.