Today (April 2) was the official start date for pre-season training but the club's coaching staff have put it back till around the beginning of May.

"When you consider we go straight into the 2008 Asian Champions League after the A-League V.3.0, and we began last season in April, the coaching staff felt it made sense to officially start in a few weeks time, around the start of May," Victory media manager Tony Ising told www.au.fourfourtwo.com today.

However, around 10-12 Victory players did gather today for a light gym session in Melbourne.

"The players' annual leave officially ended today so some have done some light work but Ernie [Merrick] won't be around for a few more weeks.

"I'm not sure where he is but probably he's enjoying time with his family."

Victory Football Ops manager Gary Cole, however, has been busy tying up a number of players' contracts, including star keeper Michael Theoklitos who signed on for a further two years today.

"Michael was outstanding last season and is amongst the best goalkeepers in the Hyundai A-League," Cole said in a press statement.

"We decided to offer him a new contract following his efforts and we’re very happy to have him at the club for another two years".

Victory's three keepers will be Theoklitos, Eugene Galekovic and newly signed youngster Mitchell Langerak.

New Melbourne signing Joe Keenan is expected to begin pre-season in a few weeks time with the full squad "after finalising some of his visa issues" said Ising of the former Chelsea player currently at Dutch club Willem II.

A number of Victory players will also be making personal appearances later this week around Melboure shopping centre(see the club's website for times and locations).