Lowestoft director of football Craig Fleming believes Dan Gleeson's new role as player/coach is a 'natural progression' for the Blues' skipper.

The 29-year-old has officially become part of the Trawlerboys' coaching set-up this summer and Fleming insists the former Luton man will have no problem making the transition.

'Dan's got an excellent football brain and he's got a lot of respect amongst the lads,' said Fleming, who will lead Lowestoft's assault on the Conference North next season. 'It just releases me a bit more to go and watch a few other games in midweek and do some more scouting.

'It will be good for the lads to hear a different voice as well and it's just a natural progression for him.

'He won't have any problems making that transition. He is one of the lads but they know that when he says something that he means it.'

Lowestoft continue their pre-season campaign with a home friendly against Needham Market this afternoon (kick-off 3pm). The Blues blew away some of the summer cobwebs with a 0-0 draw at Gorleston on Tuesday night and Fleming is looking forward to another chance for his squad to hone their fitness levels.

'It's only very early days and it is just about getting minutes into the legs of these players at the moment,' he added. 'You can't really read too much into pre-season games. The most important thing is to get some work into the legs – that's the main thing.

'The attitude of the lads has been brilliant and they have come back at a decent level of fitness.'

Lowestoft have already managed to add to their squad with the signings of Jefferson Louis, Rickie Hayles, Shaun Bammant and Jack Marsden. However, Fleming revealed the club's summer transfer business might not be done just yet.

'We've got a couple of things that are ongoing. But we need the right players for the right positions. We are still hoping to add a couple more before the start of the season.'