Town manager Lee Clark has told htafc.com that he was delighted with the fitness and attitude of the players after they returned for their first day of pre-season training on Monday.
The former Newcastle player tested the players in a mammoth all-day session yesterday and told the Club's official website that he was delighted with the effort and application of his squad.
"Other than their sun tans, you can't really tell that our lads have been off," Lee explained. "The days where professional footballers can eat and drink what they want during the summer are long gone - they have all had individual programs to follow over the summer, which are obviously notof the intensity of normal work but ensure that they hit the ground running in pre-season.
"They had a very intense session yesterday, led by Steve Black and Andy Kiwomya, and they all did very well; it looks like they have all adhered to their fitness programs. I told them in the team meeting that I have no preconceived ideas about the starting eleven at Southend on August 8th - we have 11 pre-season games organised and everyone will have their opportunity to stake their claim for a place.
"They showed terrific application in their first session, but I didn't expect any less. Last season they showed me first class application and effort in every training session and all I can do is lay down the gauntlet to them - they either play their way into or out of the team. It is now in their hands and I want to have a dilemma over which players to select in the 18 at Southend; I think I will be one of the few managers who are happy with the new 'seven subs' rule!"
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