Mills keen to start new-season build-up

JUMP TO IT, BOSS: Athletic manager Lee Johnson leads by example as he puts his players through their paces on the first day of outdoor training.

STEAUA Bucharest represents the first stage in a pre-season programme new left-back Joseph Mills believes will prove beneficial for Athletic.

The private friendly at St George’s Park near Burton on Saturday puts the squad against Romanian opposition for the second season running.

Last time the match was city rivals Dinamo Bucharest at Leigh Sports Village. This time the FA’s swish £100million coaching HQ is the venue.

The game will be followed by public fixtures at Curzon Ashton, Morecambe and Barrow, with Newcastle United, Melbourne City and Huddersfield all visiting Boundary Park.

Saturday’s challenge is likely to be similar to that of Dinamo a year ago. Their technical game can provide telling information about Athletic’s preparation for different playing styles.

“Pre-season is set around playing different styles of teams, passing sides and those more direct,” said Mills.

“It has been done so we can look how we can adapt ourselves and enforce ourselves on any given game.

“I am looking forward and excited to getting back into the game as quickly as we are and hopefully, we will be fresh and ready to go as soon as that first whistle arrives.”

Last season, Steaua qualified for the group stages of the UEFA Champions League, losing twice to Chelsea.

For Mills, a former Burnley player, the forthcoming game is all about preparing in the right way for the league kick-off in five weeks.

“It’s not about results this early, it’s about getting back to where you need to be physically.”

Johnson revealed he is looking for another five new players: three for the first team and another couple with the potential to make a breakthrough.