WYCOMBE Wanderers returned to training on Monday just two weeks after their season finished.

Blues boss John Gorman ordered the early return to ensure that his players maintain their fitness over the summer holidays.

The Blues were also due to train on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday before breaking up again to begin their pre-season workout in earnest on June 30.

They then have just five days before their first game in the San An Cup in Ibiza.

Assistant manager Steve Brown said: "We may still be only in May and I know the play-offs aren't finished yet but the lads have been off for two weeks already and it is important that they stay in good shape.

"They need to maintain a good level of fitness over the summer because five days after we start pre-season training we've got our first game and the last thing we need is to get any injuries before the season starts."

Monday's 90-minute session was kept deliberately light with the emphasis on technical work and coordination."

Brown said: "Everyone was in good shape and happy to be back. It shows just how keen everyone is to do well for this club."

But there were some notable absentees from the roll call.

Steve Claridge and Rob Lee, who have so far not accepted new deals with the club, were both missing.

And it looks as though veteran striker Claridge may have played his last game for the club.

He has publicly slammed Wanderers' contract offer and has been touting himself around other clubs.

The 39-year-old former Premiership striker has been interviewed for the player/manager's job at Peterborough United and has also been linked with a move to Conference side Exeter City.

Writing in his column for the Sunday People, Claridge said: "I've consulted minimum wage legislation and to my surprise the offer I've been given is actually legal. But if I take it, after driving to training three times a week, I would only just break even."

New signing Charlie Griffin was another absentee. He was completing his medical following his arrival from Forest Green Rovers while keeper Frank Talia was also given dispensation as he is with his family in his native Australia.