STEVE Cotterill is ready to wind down pre-season training to gear Burnley up for Saturday's big kick-off.

The Clarets boss admits to being delighted at the way his players have met the new challenge head-on this summer.

And with the required fitness levels now safely in the bank, Cotterill is turning his attention to some fine tuning between now and the crucial Turf Moor clash with Sheffield United this weekend.

He said: "At the end of the day, with where we are in pre-season, I don't think I could be any happier or any further ahead.

"I actually think we are probably a day or two ahead of where I thought we might be going into the last week of the season.

"In Austria we tried a few things in training and a few set-plays that I didn't anticipate us getting stuck into while completing our fitness work this week.

"But to be fair to the lads they have worked their socks off and got themselves very fit, very quickly."

Burnley's players reported back for training this morning after being granted a well-earned day off to recover from the Austrian trip, which resulted in two hard-fought 1-1 draws against German opposition.

And Cotterill insisted: "I think it has been a really great trip and now the training will be toned down this week because I don't feel we could have pushed the boys any harder.

"They have trained a lot of the time to the point of fatigue and you can't really get the lads ready to play Sheffield United until they play Sheffield United.

"It is probably going to take a little while this week for everything to bed down. There is a new manager and we have a lot of new players, but all credit to them because ever since I came here on day one, they have been terrific.

"They have all been different class and I won't change my opinion on them now."

Cotterill has still not given up hope of adding more players to the squad as the new season looms large.

But skipper Robbie Blake has underlined the determination that already exists in the Clarets camp by insisting he is ready for the opening day showdown with Neil Warnock's Blades.

He said: "The first game is what counts and it's now less then a week away. As soon as you come back for pre-season you are always looking to that first game and the gaffer will have us prepared right.

"We have nothing to fear and I think we will definitely be a fitter team this season.

"There is more penetration in the training and that can only benefit us in the long run."

BURNLEY fans are reminded that season ticket books are now available for collection at the Turf Moor ticket office. Supporters are advised to pick up their books ahead of Saturday's game to avoid unnecessary queuing close to kick-off.