Matt Kilgallon says pre-season work-outs don't get any easier under fitness boss Dean Riddle.

The defender has been put through his paces by Riddle at both Leeds and Bramall Lane and reckons United's Performance Manager is a major benefit to the players.

Kilgallon said: "I've done a few pre-seasons under Deano and although they are hard work, he is only doing it to get the best out of us.

"He certainly knows what he is doing and all his plans and routines are to get us through the season in the best possible shape.

"We've worked hard again this summer - all the lads did some work when we were on our break - and now we are just coming to the games, which we all prefer.

"It was disappointing to go all the way to Hungary and not play, but we've got the games against Chesterfield, Bury and Lincoln coming up which we are looking forward to.

"My own fitness is improving well and now it's all about sharpness and getting your touch back ahead of the first game of the season."