Notts County assistant manager Richard Thomas says the backroom staff expect the players to now have one eye on pre-season after enjoying some ‘mental space’ away from the game.
The Magpies had a late finish to the 2017-18 campaign due to their participation in the play-offs.
But, with their return to the club now around three weeks away, Thomas believes it’s time for the squad to get ready for the new challenges ahead.
“First thing is to rest and recuperate,” he said. “Get yourself some mental space, just relax, switch off and spend time with family and friends.
“Early June is the time to start ticking over so you don’t lose everything.
“We don’t want players coming back thinking you get fit in pre-season - you should come back and hit the ground running.”
A key figure behind the scenes, Thomas arrived in Nottingham shortly after Kevin Nolan 18 months ago.
And the assistant manager is thoroughly enjoying life in the East Midlands.
“The family are all here now and my little boy has just been accepted in to his school for September,” said Thomas.
“We’re all enjoying the city. It’s a great place and a hub for so many sports with great teams and national centres.
“As a sports person myself, I love that my two boys are going to have so many opportunities to play - socially if nothing else.
“I want them to understand the value of sport and what it can do in terms of camaraderie and friendship.
“Nottingham is a lovely place and long may we be here.”