ASHLEY Giles has revealed that Lancashire’s players will be eased back into training when they return to Old Trafford next week.

The Red Rose Cricket Director and Head Coach welcomes the players back on Monday with the squad starting fitness work.

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But Giles said he won’t be throwing his squad in at the deep end as they attempt to regain their first division status following relegation in the summer.

“It won’t be all systems go because I think it’s important we build towards next season and make sure we peak at the right time,” said Giles. “Post Christmas will be busier and we will raise the intensity again.

“Pre Christmas will have a fitness focus mainly with some technical focus where players need it but if they need a break from cricket then that’s great also.

“We’re very individual in our programming and we’re not going to be forcing all the guys to be in all the time.”

Giles, who was only appointed last month, added that he had already been hard at work.

“There were some contracts that had to be resolved and I’ve spent some time with the management team, and some of those players that are around,” he told the club’s official website.

“It was important for me to get together with the management team to get an impression of where we are and what we might need to do and then start some planning for our winter programme.”