SLOUGH Town have made a very positive start to pre-season in the eyes of joint-boss Neil Baker after friendly wins against Farnborough and Hayes & Yeading United.

The Rebels opened their account for the summer with a comfortable 4-0 victory at Farnborough -– Baker and fellow manager Jon Underwood’s old stomping ground – on Saturday.

That was backed up by a 1-0 win over Hayes & Yeading in a high-tempo match played on the National League South club’s 3-G pitch on Tuesday.

Baker warned that it is still early days for Slough in pre-season, but he believes they are in a better position than this time last year.

He told <em>The Observer</em>: “We’re still missing a lot of players and it will be a few weeks before we start to get everyone back, but I’m happy with the work we’ve done.

“We were in second gear for most of the match against Farnborough and won 4-0, and it could’ve been a lot more.

“I don’t think Farnborough were very good if I’m honest but we did what we needed to. There were no injuries and we played some good football.

“Two good sides had a right good go at each other in midweek and we looked solid again, which is pleasing.

“We have highlighted the work we needed to do defensively and hopefully we’ve got some way to doing that – it’s been very positive.

“It’s very early on and we’re not getting over-excited, but we are in a better position than this time last year.

“We’re playing lots of football, and there’s a conservative effort to not be as intensive in training as we have been in the past. There are plenty of games for the lads to get their fitness in.

“Warren Harris has had no reaction whatsoever and Jamie McClurg has trained fully, he’s not missed a session and had no reaction.

“Adrian Sear has been training and isn’t far away, the new signings have come in and done well, but Adam Foulser is a little further back.” Slough continue their preparations for the new season with a visit to Whyteleafe this Saturday (3pm ko), and then a short trip to Burnham on Tuesday (7.45pm).

Baker anticipates more of the same on the pitch, with the added bonus that trialist Callum Webb was expected to sign a deal last night (Thursday).

The Rebels boss said: “It’ll be a similar sort of thing really. There will be a few missing again because it’s a difficult time of year.

“But it’s fine as other people have an opportunity to get 90 minutes in, and we will be looking for the same.

“It’s important to get into a winning habit and not conceding goals, and that is a priority.” Baker also joined in with the celebrations after it was announced on Tuesday that Slough’s homecoming was soon to become a reality.

Slough Borough Council cabinet members have given a green light to the Arbour Park Community Sports Facility, with phase one expected to be completed by August 2016.

Baker said: “It’s been a long time coming for Slough Town and Steve Easterbrook (chairman).

“We’re absolutely delighted with what we’ve heard coming out from the council, but until the first brick is laid there has got to be patience.

“It’s only a positive and gives everyone a real boost. We realise this will bring a lease of life to Slough Town and kick the club forward.

“Players will also want to be involved in the new ground because of the bigger gates and the fact they’re playing in a decent stadium.” SLOUGH Town have made a very positive start to pre-season in the eyes of joint-boss Neil Baker after friendly wins against Farnborough and Hayes & Yeading United.

The Rebels opened their account for the summer with a comfortable 4-0 victory at Farnborough -– Baker and fellow manager Jon Underwood’s old stomping ground – on Saturday.

That was backed up by a 1-0 win over Hayes & Yeading in a high-tempo match played on the National League South club’s 3-G pitch on Tuesday.

Baker warned that it is still early days for Slough in pre-season, but he believes they are in a better position than this time last year.

He told <em>The Observer</em>: “We’re still missing a lot of players and it will be a few weeks before we start to get everyone back, but I’m happy with the work we’ve done.

“We were in second gear for most of the match against Farnborough and won 4-0, and it could’ve been a lot more.

“I don’t think Farnborough were very good if I’m honest but we did what we needed to. There were no injuries and we played some good football.

“Two good sides had a right good go at each other in midweek and we looked solid again, which is pleasing.

“We have highlighted the work we needed to do defensively and hopefully we’ve got some way to doing that – it’s been very positive.

“It’s very early on and we’re not getting over-excited, but we are in a better position than this time last year.

“We’re playing lots of football, and there’s a conservative effort to not be as intensive in training as we have been in the past. There are plenty of games for the lads to get their fitness in.

“Warren Harris has had no reaction whatsoever and Jamie McClurg has trained fully, he’s not missed a session and had no reaction.

“Adrian Sear has been training and isn’t far away, the new signings have come in and done well, but Adam Foulser is a little further back.” Slough continue their preparations for the new season with a visit to Whyteleafe this Saturday (3pm ko), and then a short trip to Burnham on Tuesday (7.45pm).

Baker anticipates more of the same on the pitch, with the added bonus that trialist Callum Webb was expected to sign a deal last night (Thursday).

The Rebels boss said: “It’ll be a similar sort of thing really. There will be a few missing again because it’s a difficult time of year.

“But it’s fine as other people have an opportunity to get 90 minutes in, and we will be looking for the same.

“It’s important to get into a winning habit and not conceding goals, and that is a priority.” Baker also joined in with the celebrations after it was announced on Tuesday that Slough’s homecoming was soon to become a reality.

Slough Borough Council cabinet members have given a green light to the Arbour Park Community Sports Facility, with phase one expected to be completed by August 2016.

Baker said: “It’s been a long time coming for Slough Town and Steve Easterbrook (chairman).

“We’re absolutely delighted with what we’ve heard coming out from the council, but until the first brick is laid there has got to be patience.

“It’s only a positive and gives everyone a real boost. We realise this will bring a lease of life to Slough Town and kick the club forward.

“Players will also want to be involved in the new ground because of the bigger gates and the fact they’re playing in a decent stadium.” PICK up a copy of <em>The Observer</em>, out now, for all the latest Slough Town news and action including more reaction to the realisation of the homecoming.

FOLLOW <em>The Observer</em> on Twitter at @Observer_sports.

PICTURE: new centre back Gary MacDonald rises unmarked to head Slough Town into the lead at Farnborough on Saturday.