Doncaster Rovers goalkeeping coach Lee Butler has revealed his delight with the squads' goalkeepers, who have all been in during spells over the past couple of weeks for preparation for the start of pre-season training.

The squad returns for full pre-season training on July 6th, however members of the squad have been back to the training facility at Cantley Park to ensure that they are in the best possible shape for when pre-season training commences ahead of the 2009-10 Coca-Cola Championship campaign.

Butler spoke to DoncasterRoversFC.co.uk on Tuesday, following a light session with all three of Rovers' custodial staff in Neil Sullivan, Ben Smith and Gary Woods.

"They've been ticking over well," Lee told the Rovers Official Website.

"They've been doing weights and working on their body fat and are all hitting their targets there. They're still in the middle of their break, so we're not looking for any records but we are hoping that on the 6th July, when we are back properly, that they will be coming in surpassing the targets that they have been set. It's been pleasing at the moment - we've done work over the last couple of days and worked hard. Their attitude has been spot on, which you would expect. We've got the full range; we've got Sully at the top end of the age spectrum and two young lads as well. It's been good and we've had a bit of a laugh - it's been enjoyable."

As with many aspects of training, the preparation for goalkeepers is different from that of any outfield player - however that is not to say that it's not equally as intensive or exhausting.

"It's a different fitness," explains the former Aston Villa and Barnsley shot stopper.

"We need a base; goalkeepers don't particularly need to run and the cardiovascular work is done on machines, such as the cross trainers, rowing machines and the bikes. The two young lads will do the running tests; but I think we know everything we need to know about Sully. It is a different fitness, but if you ask the outfield lads when they come and train with us or step in and dive about after four or five times, they're blowing out their backside - so, it's a different fitness and the manager is very good in that respect. He understands and he just lets me get on with it."

The preparation also sees Ben Smith return to full training after suffering a nasty ankle injury last season. The former Newcastle United 'keeper went over on his ankle during training last season, which saw Rovers requiring additional loan cover last term.

"Ben is good and is fully fit now. He's been signed off by the physios and he's shown no ill effects at all. He's been kicking, doing his feet work and diving about, so he's ready to start on the 6th July."

Also forming part of the 'union' is former Manchester United youngster Gary Woods, who joined Doncaster Rovers towards the end of last season; making one appearance as a substitute in the final home game of the season against Crystal Palace.

"He's settled in well and is a good addition to the union. He's not big-time at all and he has had a good grounding at Manchester United. He's been in the England system and he's fitted in with us well. As with Sully, he's not big-time as well, so he has fitted in well. He's following that trend and we're all getting on very well."

Picture courtesy of John Peters/Matthew Peters/Manchester United Football Club

Neil Sullivan enjoyed a superb season last term, with his consistent performances in The Championship earning him a Player of the Year nomination. And, as Butler reveals, there is nothing you can teach the winner of last year's Champagne Moment Award that he doesn't already know.

"I'm not going to coach Neil now, it's just a matter of preparing him for match days. You are not going to change anything - his technique is good anyway and he has great hands. It's just a matter of keeping him right through the week. We both know what he needs to feel good on a match day and it's making sure that he is prepared right for a Saturday afternoon."