As reported earlier in the week the Robins captain, John Finnigan, is back on the road to full fitness after his nine-month injury nightmare.

John has not featured for the Robins' first team since last October due to a persistent heel problem, but after two operations, the 32-year-old is confident he can be back in full training by next month.

Surgery to remove scar tissue and reposition a nerve took place at the end of May and Finnigan has been able to complete some cardiovascular work this week as his team mates kicked off with pre-season training.

The powerhouse of Cheltenham's midfield has been talking to Jon Palmer of the Gloucestershire Echo newspaper and told their readers, "I have been doing some exercise and it feels quite good."

"There's still a little bit of soreness, but that's to be expected and we are all confident I will come good this time."

"When I saw the surgeon, he was talking about me being back in full training by mid-August."

"I am hoping to be back a little bit before that if possible, but we will have to see how it goes."

It was very difficult last season for Finners to sit and watch the teams exploits as they battled to survive in League One. As a lifelong Leeds United to be in the stands for both of the Robins' sensational victories over the former Premiership and Champions League side hit John the hardest.

The fact that the Robins are going to get another crack at Gary McAllister's men this term is a further incentive to the Cheltenham skipper to regain his first team place.

John told the Echo readers, "I was pleased Leeds stayed down because I want to go up there and play against them," he said. "It's the longest time I have had out with injury, but I am back on the right track now."