LONG-SERVING Whitehaven winger Craig Calvert is keen to hit the ground running when pre-season starts next month.

Haven have a month off before reporting for their first pre-season training session at the start of November.

The winger is heading into the last year of his latest deal and wants to improve on what was a tough year.

“We’ve got five or six weeks off now and then we get started on pre-season,” Calvert said. “I think the season ended a bit too soon for me personally. I picked up a couple of injuries and wasn’t at full fitness at points during the year.

“I’m really looking forward to working hard now.

“It is the last year of my current deal but it’s not all about going out there to try and get a new one.”

Haven will be starting their preparations with a number of the squad already signed up, as well as the coaching staff of James Coyle and Peter Williams.

“We haven’t had that for a few years now,” Calvert added. “It’s good that we have retained most of the squad and that we’ve got the same coaches.

“Things are definitely positive at the moment and it’s great for the club.

“Everyone wants to improve and we need to hit the ground running next season.”