Reds Manager Danny Wilson oversaw the first day of pre-season training yesterday, as the first-team squad and Academy returned to Oakwell.
After anthropometric and strength testing, the players took to the training pitch in the heat and eased back into action.
Speaking to Barnsley Player after overseeing the first session, Wilson said, "Their fitness levels are very good. They were tested all morning. It was strenuous and quite intense. There are areas where one or two need to be topped up. You expect that.
"Certainly the majority of them have come back in great shape.
"It used to be one or two weeks before you even saw a ball. It's a lot different nowadays. The players have come back in good shape anyway.
"They're definitely refreshed. We have to put a lot of things behind us. There'll be a lot of changes and there have been a lot of changes to the squad this year which will take time bedding in. Hopefully there'll be more signings to come in as well.
"Overall it's very good and encouraging. Some of the senior pros in there will get a lift by the new faces that have come in. And the youngsters will be refreshed because they can see there's an opportunity in front of them to play.
Paul Digby plays chase in the middle as Danny Wilson joins in.
The likes of George Smith, Nana Boakye-Yiadom, George Maris, Rhys Oates and Brad Abbott all took part of the same session, and Wilson admits the youngsters are all in great shape.
"Fitness-wise, they'll be okay," he added. "They're fit and enthusiastic which is always great to have in the group. The stern test will be when the season starts. But you have to have a certain intensity to your game and certain fitness levels to be able to cope with that. There's the nous and knowhow the senior pros can give the younger lads. It's difficult to tell at this moment in time but the signs are good."
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