Burton Albion defender Stephen Warnock is ready for another gruelling season and says he feels in top condition heading into pre-season.
Warnock signed for Albion last week to become the club's fourth signing of a busy summer - with former Derby County and Wigan Athletic teammate Jake Buxton signing later that week.
Ex-Leeds United captain Warnock reported back for training alongside the rest of his new teammates three days later, as preparations continue for Albion's opening pre-season friendly at Kidsgrove Athletic on Wednesday.
Warnock is certainly no stranger to the game and knows what to expect during a 46-game season that can take its toll on the uninitiated.
That probably goes some way as to explaining why Buxton and Warnock have been made the two defensive signings so far by Brewers boss Nigel Clough. The players combined have made more than 850 career first-team appearances.
And for a 35-year-old approaching the twilight years of his career and with some considerable mileage on the clock, it's no mean feat for him to be, as he feels he is, at full fitness.
Forty-eight appearances last term for eventually-relegated Wigan were the most the former Liverpool man has made in more than 10 years, since a spell on loan with Coventry City in the 2003/04 season.
So it is no wonder that Warnock feels in tip-top shape heading into next season.
"Every time I speak to people who have retired, they always say to me, 'just carry on as long as you can - as long as your body is telling you you're okay, carry on'," Warnock said.
"I feel as fit as I have ever felt.
"I feel in good shape, so I will carry on as long as I can.
"Hopefully that is for a few more years to come."
