Defender enjoying getting to know his new team mates
New boy Cian Bolger is relishing the tough Holland training camp, insisting it’s no holiday for the players.Steven Pressley’s men are coming to the end of a week-long trip which has seen them put through their paces in red hot European heat.
And with three sessions a day and two matches so far, the former Southend man says it’s been anything but easy for the squad.
"It’s been tough, this certainly isn’t a holiday," he said.
"The training has been tough, the games have been tough and the heat doesn’t help either, but it’s been ideal for this time of the pre-season.
"Overall it’s been good, the team bonding has been good and the new lads are getting to know each other.
"It’s great for us new lads getting to mix with the squad and the staff, everyone is getting on really well and I think that bodes well for the future."
Town have faced two Dutch sides so far this week, drawing 0-0 with Fortuna Sittard before a tough defeat to Europa League side AZ Alkmaar.
And with last week’s game against Liverpool also behind them, Bolger feels the high standard can only help the squad.
He said: "It’s been a different standard of opposition than what we’ll face in the coming season, they have been a real test.
"Obviously the results aren’t what we’ve have liked but it was fantastic to test yourself against players of that level.
"It can inspire us to work hard to try and get to the level they are.
"It’s also a great experience for the young lads, it will only bode them well for the future."
With just over two weeks to go until the start of the season, Bolger is one of many hoping to play themselves into the manager’s starting plans.
Starting with this Saturday’s final Dutch friendly against Roda.
“I want to show the manager what I can do in pre-season and hopefully get myself into the team for the start of the season.
“I want to get myself into the team, start the season well and hopefully kick-on from there.
“We had a day recovery on Thursday so hopefully we’ll go into Saturday’s friendly fresh and take something from the game."