Chris Beech admits having fans back in Brunton Park next season will make a huge difference to the Blues.

Supporters are preparing to return to the stadium for 2021/22 having largely missed out on the chance to watch the team last term because of Covid-19 rules.

Beech says the return of fans to watch some high-profile sporting events this summer has served to highlight the benefits of playing in front of spectators again.

He said certain players can perform differently in front of fans than in empty grounds.

Referring to crowds at the Euro 2020 Championships, Beech said: “I think it’s really, really good. You can see the response in players.

“It’s not just football – I stayed up and watched Andy Murray the other night at Wimbledon. It definitely changes physical output in professional athletes.

“I think it did when we were fortunate enough to have the trial runs for [five home games] last season and we could let 1,000 and then 2,000 people in.

“I’m really looking forward to it. Football’s to be shared, support’s to be shared. Our supporters are unbelievable when they get behind the boys.

“I hope they are in great spirits themselves and really looking forward to supporting us as we look to represent their values.

“We’ve got to make sure we’re ready to share it, and I have no doubt they will 100% be ready.”

United are embarking on their second full week of pre-season training ahead of their first summer friendly at Penrith on Tuesday week.

Beech said he and his players have benefited from an immaculate training pitch surface prepared by groundsman David Mitchell.

He said: “The lads are well at it.

“We’ve enjoyed some fabulous weather on a fantastic training ground – Dave’s done a great job, the pitch is in superb condition, and we’re utilising that currently twice a day and working very hard on it.

“I’m really excited and enthused for next season, and I can see it in the players that they are as well.

“The core stability of the squad is still there and I’m really excited about sharing that with everybody.”

Beech, meanwhile, was reluctant to offer an opinion on the bookies’ odds for the forthcoming season.

United are 25/1 outsiders for the title and 5/1 for promotion with Bet Victor.

“I don’t bet,” he said. “I concentrate on what we can try and affect. I’ll leave [the bookies] to make their millions and we’ll try our best to win football matches.”