David Jones is keeping fingers crossed for a better pre-season than this time 12 months ago - to pick up from where he left off at the end of last season.
Jones suffered a knee injury in Australia last year which affected his early-season impact particularly after suffering further niggling problems in the early stages of the campaign.
But after returning to win a regular spot in the centre of midfield over the second half of the season, the former Manchester United man played a key role in pulling the strings as the Molineux Men secured Barclays Premier League survival.
"Last pre-season I got injured in Australia which really affected my build-up," says Jones.
"This time I've been a little more careful with the training loads I've been doing and am just looking at keeping fit which is the main thing.
"I just want to pick up from where I left off at the end of last season and build on that.
"It's going well and everyone's come back pretty fit as they usually do.
"Everyone has followed the programmes they've been given and players at this club always seem to come back in good shape.
"Everyone's got a good attitude and now we've been back a couple of weeks we're looking forward to the first pre-season games.
"A lot of running has been done outside and it's good to build up match fitness as well.
"The early starts and longer sessions are what we expect and what we need.
"The Sports Science team work a lot on pre season and I've enjoyed it so far and am looking forward to the games."
The Wolves squad will train at Compton this morning before departing this afternoon on their mini-tour of Ireland and Saturday's first pre-season friendly against Bohemians at Dalymount Park.
"It will be good to go to Ireland," says Jones.
"We're not going on a big trip this year but a few little trips instead and the boys are looking forward to them.
"It's all about continuing the build-up to the first Premier League game with Stoke.
"In terms of the preparation, the games start with Bohemians.
"Once the fixtures start the gaffer is on top of us making sure we are all on top of our games."
The trip to Ireland will - as ever - offer the squad the chance to cement team spirit ahead of another challenging season.
All the first team squad will be in attendance, including new signings Stephen Hunt, Steven Mouyokolo, Steven Fletcher and Jelle Van Damme.
Jones has been impressed by the quality of the new arrivals.
"There is competition for places everywhere and we've signed some good players," he said.
"The quality of the squad is rising all the time.
"Hopefully we can translate that onto the pitch and try and have a better season than last time.
"With the new additions we are all looking forward to getting the team spirit back that we had last season.
"I am sure the new lads will contribute to that.
"They all seem good characters and the manager and the staff always look at that when bringing in players.
"They are all fitting in well."
CLICK LOGO FOR DETAILS OF TPS SCHEME. DEADLINE 5PM FRIDAY
