The squad take part in light running session
It was an early start for Steven Pressley and his men as they embarked on a six-day training camp in Holland.Almost all of the club’s professionals have made the trip, including the familiar face of Conor McLaughlin who has returned from his adventure at the European Championships with Northern Ireland.
Conor was in good spirits and declared himself fit to take full part in the tour, although it’s expected he’ll be eased back into things after his extended break.
After the 50-minute flight from Manchester to Amsterdam, the group travelled by coach to Doorwerth, their base for the week around 120km from the capital.
In all it took around five hours to finally arrive at the base, but spare a thought for long-standing kitman Danny Moore, his journey took more than 12 hours!
With all the kit, balls, training equipments and computers needed for a modern day club, Moore was tasked with driving a van packed with gear across Europe to meet-up with the rest of the group.
He did have some company in Performance Analyst Jake Barnes and it’s fair to say they’ll know each other a little better after that drive.
Danny avoids the drive back next weekend and will instead fly, with fellow kit manager George Hunter doing the honours.
After a arriving to lunch, while the players made themselves at home in the hotel, boss Pressley and his coaching staff headed to the training facilities just minutes from the hotel to check the surface they’ll be using this week.
Very little is left to chance when it comes to planning these sort of trips, even the length of the grass (22mm, incase you’re interested!).
After lunch fitness coach Youl Mawene took the players for a light running session before ending their first day with a dip in the outdoor swimming pool.
The day ended with dinner and a selection of the new signings having to sing a song for the rest of the squad, let’s just say it’s a good job they can kick a ball, all before an early night.
The real work starts tomorrow.