MANAGER Alan Knill is keeping part of his pre-season training plans under wraps.

That's so it will be a surprise to the Scunthorpe United players when they report back to Glanford Park at the end of June.

"We will be taking the players away but where we are going is going to remain a secret," he said.

"Everything is just about in place now but the players are not going to find out what we are doing until they return."

Last year Knill took his Bury squad away to an army training camp.

He insists it will be somewhere not as severe for the Scunthorpe squad.

But it is likely to be somewhere that will prove a test of character for them, as well as stamina.

"It is important for players to spend some time away as a squad – but not too long," said the United boss.

Knill is happy with the Iron's pre-season programme of seven games, which could expand to eight if they reach the final of the Lincolnshire County Cup.

"If you were asked to play more than that in a similar spell during the season, you would be complaining it was too much," he said.

"The important thing is to arrive at the opening day of the new season with all your players fully fit.

"You do not want to pick up any injuries in pre-season and you run the risk of that if you play too many games."