SAINTS BOSS Stuart Gray relieved a trio of players of a few pounds from their wallets after they reported back with a few extra pounds on their hips.

The Saints boss revealed he had cracked the whip and got tough with the players before last week's trip to La Manga, where they would have shed their excess baggage.

Although Gray would not name names or how hard they were hit in the pocket, he confirmed: "Three lads came back slightly overweight and we fined them."

"They have to realise they're well-paid professionals and paid to look after themselves.

"We want them to have a bit of free time but we also put a lot of responsibility on them to keep themselves in shape when they're not training," said Gray as Saints reported back at Staplewood on their first day following their return from Spain.

Gray's stand is taken in light of the knowledge that fitness levels in the Premiership are taking on the Olympic motto of "Faster, Higher, Stronger" - and he is confident his players will start the campaign the fittest they have ever been.

He said: "When I played, you turned up at pre-season training to get fit. Now you have to get fit for pre-season training.

"Players really do have to look after themselves these days, but it's for their own good. The work they put in now can prolong their careers.

"We had a good week in La Manga and it certainly wasn't a jolly up. The players worked extremely hard with two, sometimes three sessions a day.

"We can't wait for the games to start now."

Saints split their squad for friendlies at Farnborough and Aldershot tomorrow night and Gray added: "We've have some good days of running and hard work but nothing can prepare you for match situations."

Jason Dodd and Dan Petrescu are resting following their post-op week's work at Lilleshall and Chris Marsden will also miss out, easing back on his training after picking up a knee injury in La Manga.

But new record signing Rory Delap will feature, although Gray has yet to decide who goes where.

"Rory's a few days behind the others because Derby were only due to start their pre-season this week. But he's settled in well, as has Anders Svensson."