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"We have a number of first-team regulars who are unavailable for this weekend’s game due to a combination of holidays and other prior commitments," admitted Abbott. "This is understandable, as many of our players have jobs and family responsibilities that dictate when they can take time off."

The manager acknowledged that the scheduling of the Skegness fixture, which was arranged before his re-appointment just over a month ago, has contributed to the availability issues but despite the absences, Abbott sees this as an opportunity for Gresley's younger players to stake a claim for a place in the squad. "Whilst it's unfortunate that we won't be able to field anywhere near our full-strength side this weekend, it does present a chance for some of our talented younger and developing players to step up and experience the challenges of playing at this level," he explained.

Abbott is aware that Rovers' supporters making the trip may have been looking forward to seeing the team in action this weekend, particularly after the memorable victory at Skegness that capped off last season's promotion-winning campaign. "I know our fans were excited to see what a full-strength Rovers side might look like as we head into the new season with optimism," he said. "Regrettably, that won't be possible on Saturday, but we hope they'll understand the circumstances and look forward to seeing us in action at the Moat Ground on Tuesday night as we make our final preparations for the season opener next weekend against Boston Town."

Despite the challenges, Abbott remains positive about the progress made in rebuilding the Gresley squad since his reappointment. "It's been a very unique and challenging pre-season, to say the least," he acknowledged. "With essentially no players attached to the club when I came back just over a month ago and two and a half weeks before pre-season, we've had to work hard to bring in the right mix of experience and youthful enthusiasm."

The manager praised a number of the players who have agreed to join Gresley over recent weeks, many of whom had already committed to other clubs or were set to return to pre-season with their former teams. "I'll be forever grateful for the loyalty shown by these players, as it's allowed us to bring back some popular faces who have played for us before as well as some newcomers to build a squad that I'm really excited about," said Abbott.

Preparations took another hit on Tuesday following the loss of the home friendly game against Shepshed due to heavy rain impacting the Moat ground pitch. On the setback Abbott said, “This was planned to be the first game where we laid out a match day squad and took a good look at what we have assembled at some degree of strength. Again, something conspired against us a little, but we just roll with it. Looking at the bigger picture the football club has gone through a short period of adversity and change over the last month or so, but I really do feel the club as a whole is re-invigorated, and we have a fierce determination to come out of the other side. This mentality is running through the club and will show both on and off the pitch, of that I have no doubt. The honest truth is the start of the season is coming at us far too quickly, however, I look at our group which we have assembled and despite the challenges we have faced, I believe the squad is well balanced, has good spirit and togetherness as well as a good mix of youth, experience combined with loads of pace and plenty of goal threat. I am excited, really excited."

With the club's final pre-season friendly against Nuneaton Town on Tuesday evening at the Moat Ground (7.45pm), the manager is confident that his team will be ready to hit the ground running when they open their United Counties League campaign next weekend against Boston Town. "It's been a bit of a scramble to get everything together, but I'm really pleased with the balance and spirit of the group we've assembled," Abbott said. "We may need a bit of time to grow into the new season, but I'm confident this team will give our supporters plenty to be excited about."