Training in the build-up to any season is always tough but for Bentley and the other players at Morecambe FC, it was a chance to catch up with old - and new - faces.

Bentley told thevisitor.co.uk: "It's good to get back in the swing of things, sort a few things out and meet all the new players and get on with the work.

"A few of us went away to Benidorm for a few days and you do keep in touch with others and see how they are getting on because we are all a friendly bunch.

"But it's good to be back and to hear all the stories about what's been going on over the summer and find out how the lads are getting on who are left."

With eight signings over the summer, there were plenty of introductions needed.

Bentley said: "We've got a nice blend again and some good strength in depth. We have lost a few as you always will but a few have come in.

"We are all chomping at the bit, the lads who have been away while the lads who are new are all keen to impress.

"They broke us in today. They said it wasn't that hard and it will get harder but I think one or two felt it.

"That is going to be expected, it is going to be hard work. We are just looking forward to cracking on with it."

Bentley is keen to avoid the dreaded 'second season syndrome' where teams suffer in their second season after promotion.

He said: "We have seen it in the past and we don't want to be one of those teams.

"The winning mentality from Wembley took us into the start of last season and we had a good start, which we will be looking to repeat again.

"People will be a bit wise to what we are about and teams will know what certain players are about and who to watch.

"We know it will be difficult but we will be working hard to get fit over the next couple of weeks and take if from there and see what happens."