Town trained at Poolfoot Farm for the first time
Town's sports scientist Youl Mawene gave an insight into the first day of the Cod Army’s pre-season schedule at the Club’s new training ground.The Cod Army sqyad were put through their paces at Poolfoot Farm in Thornton, as they prepare for the new season which begins with a home game against Southend United on 8th August.
Following a day which included a number of fitness tests in the morning and ball work in the afternoon, Mawene reflected on the first day of the schedule.
He said: “It was like the first day back at school with all the new faces. They’ve worked really hard though given the weather, and it has been a typical pre-season day so we’ll just keep it going.
“It was brilliant to see all the lads again and a lot of the boys look in decent shape. The boys who are a little bit behind will have to catch up.
“Fitness is so important at this stage of the season. We want to lay a big strong base in terms of cardiovascular strength and capacity, and then slowly add sharpness as the pre-season is going on.
“As far I’m concerned it is still massively early days, but there are going to be some tough sessions coming up.
“Pre-season is based around the quality of football, but obviously at a certain intensity, and I think it’s key for them to maintain that intensity for a length of time.
“It’s a mix and match really as every pre-season is different. We have a template in place but we need to adjust it year on year as situations change.”
The 35-year-old Frenchman went on to praise the facilities of Poolfoot Farm, which has now officially become the new training base for the Club.
“There was a bit of carnage with us all squeezed in, but it is going to look brilliant once it is finished, and that is what we’re looking up to.
“In terms of gym equipment and facilities it is going to be top notch, so we are delighted with that and we will try and make the most of it.”