ADAM Lockwood admits that his line-ups for Guiseley's friendlies against Parkgate and Bradford City are "more or less picked" already.

The Lions step up their preparations for the National League season with a trip to Northern Counties East League Premier Division Parkgate on Saturday.

However, many supporters' sights will already be on next Tuesday's meeting with the Bantams at Nethermoor.

Stuart McCall's League One squad will be back in the country following their pre-season trip to Austria and Germany as their own build-up continues.

Regardless of the opposition, though, Guiseley boss Lockwood has already planned his preparations – and starting line-ups – to the smallest detail.

He said: “We’ve structured it from the moment I planned pre-season – I've looked at it and I’ve got a plan behind everything and how I want to do things.

"It’s about getting minutes under the players' belts, so the teams are more or less picked for pre-season, and it’s about creating partnerships and creating patterns of play that we want to try and get into our game.

“We’re also looking at fitness, which is ultimately why we’re here. So maybe people will play a bit longer on Saturday and then vice versa. The people that go to watch will see for themselves!"

Following last weekend's opening 5-1 loss to Leeds United, the Lions met another Championship outfit on Tuesday evening when Barnsley came to town.

Seven trialists started the 3-3 draw with the Tykes, and Lockwood is keen to have another look at some of the players hoping to earn a deal.

“It’s for the club to assess and it’s not always simple to get deals done," he explained. "There are two parties involved and I wanted players to come to us and see what we’re about.

"Hopefully, we can impress them, it’s very much a two-way thing. Hopefully, they’ve enjoyed their time here and we can get things done.

“People have seen the quality that we’ve brought in and the lads who are looking to earn contracts as well, so that’s also good to see.

“It’s tough coming into a group of strangers and having to perform. It’s nice to see that the lads have made them feel welcome and also that they’ve come in and enjoyed the games."

Giving his reaction to Tuesday night's display, Lockwood added: “I asked the guys to work hard first and foremost to get the fitness in – that’s why we play these games – and also to express themselves and try to develop our play ready for the start of the season.

“I saw some very pleasing stuff and we got some great goals from both sides. There were a few goal of the season contenders, especially the Barnsley strike, which is testament to the quality they brought here.

“There have been a lot of impressive performances in all areas but it’s not about Tuesday, it’s about every player being in the best possible shape to be ready for the start of the season and that first game.

“It was great to see some good performances and people playing with a smile on their faces, that’s what we want – people who come in here working hard and enjoying their football. Hopefully we keep that up."