“It’s started really well,” he explained. “The lads have come back in really good condition physically.
We’ve tested them a few times in terms of the physical output. [They are] looking really good, really strong.”
The Shakers were crowned champions of the NWCFL Premier Division in April after finishing the season with 15 consecutive wins.
Promotion to the Northern Premier League West Division was sealed with a 4-0 victory over Burscough in front of almost 9,000 fans at Gigg Lane.
As well as retaining the majority of his title-winning team, McNabb has added six new signings over the summer break.
“The number one priority of the summer was to make sure we retained the majority of that team,” he said.
Speaking about what he expects from his players over pre-season, McNabb said: “It’s about making sure we’ve got the tactics, the principles, the way we want to play both in and out of possession.
Pre-season will see us take on National League North sides Chester (July 12), Buxton (July 19) and Radcliffe (July 26), while Shakers legend Ryan Lowe is set to bring a Wigan Athletic XI to Gigg Lane (July 29).
We’ll face two sides from the NWCFL as well, Ashton Athletic (July 15) and Cheadle Town (July 22).
On Saturday, hundreds of supporters descended on Gigg Lane for the annual family fun day, which included an open training session from the first team.
Click here to view our full pre-season fixture list.
Our pricing for pre-season will be Adults £8, Under 16s £3, but for 2025/26 season ticket holders, prices will be Adults £5, Under 16s £2.
Season Ticket holders who purchase before June 30th will be able to purchase exclusive discounted online tickets for these fixtures, which will be made available on July 1st.
Supporters can also pay on the gate, but the discounted rate won’t be available.
Exclusive discounts will also be available in our 1885 Suite for the games against Chester & Wigan Athletic – more to follow.
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