Pre-season has been really positive so far.

We had a good break, which was important because we needed to switch off mentally, and since then we’ve had three weeks of really good and productive training.

We had a few days out in England, then a week in Germany, which was good. Then obviously we’ve been out here in the US since Wednesday, which has been another positive change.

It’s the manager’s first pre-season with us, and we’ve all enjoyed the chance to work with him for a prolonged period.

It’s always difficult – whether you’re a player or a manager – to go into a club midway through the season, because you don’t have that time that you would if you went in in the summer. You’ve got a game at the weekend and then all of a sudden there’s another one.

For the manager – and for all of us – to have that time when we’re solely focused on ourselves, and to be able to test the water with a few things, is great. We’re a few weeks in, and like I said, we feel like we’re in a really good place.

Being in pre-season, and being in a different country, means we can enjoy different events off the pitch as well.

I always love engaging with young supporters and going into communities. I’ve got kids and I’ve also been a young kid with a dream of playing football as well. So, to have the opportunity to watch youngsters, put yourself back in their shoes and work with them is great.

To get these opportunities to come into a whole new culture, a whole new country, which we don’t get to do all the time, is a brilliant thing to be part of, and I’m excited for what the rest of the trip has to come.