First days training gone well

Gillingham manager Mark Stimson was pleased with his player’s commitment today as they began their pre-season training.

The first session saw fitness instructor Danny Ellis put the players through a challenging schedule, and Stimson explained: “Today was our first day back and it was pleasing to see everyone. It was very, very hot but all the boys have been tested and I’m very happy wiht how things have gone.

“Danny Ellis has put some tests together to assess the players and all the boys put in a first class effort. Now we’re going to go away and look at the times and we’ll monitor those across the season to see how players develop.”

Several players caught the eye of Stimson on the first day, as he explained: “Stuart Thurgood won the bleep test, he was just ahead of Garry Richards, Andy Pugh and Kevin Maher. In other tests, Dennis Oli was very good at the short, sharp sprints.”

“The jumping test was a good one, Simon King did very well in that and young Tom Wynter showed the good spring he’s got. But overall I’m pleased with all the boys and the effort they put in.”

With the trip to the training camp in La Manga in Spain coming up, all the players were looking to impress today,  as Stimson explained: “Between now and Thursday I’ve got to make up my mind which 21 players to take for the 4 day La Manga training camp that the Chairman has arranged for us.”

“That’s what I’ll be looking for over the next few days. I want to see who’s in shape and condition to go out there and top up their levels so that when they come back for the first couple of pre-season games we’re ready.”

Although it was a tough start for the players today, Stimson had some good news, saying: “Today was all about the testing, plenty of running, the bleep test, the jumping test, and some sprint tests, so tomorrow the boys have been told the good news that it’s all football from now on.”

“Wednesday’s going to be a football day because it’s important we get the balls out as quick as we can and they’ll be out every day from now so the lads get a good feel of the ball.”