Manager talks ahead of Portugal trip
Huddersfield Town Manager Mark Robins has been pleased with the application of his players since their return for pre-season training at PPG Canalside.
Following two days of testing, Town’s First Team and Development Squads began their preparations for the new season last Thursday. Under the guidance of Town’s new technical staff the players have worked hard ahead of Sunday's trip to Portugual, with many days involving double sessions.
Robins’ men will train again on Saturday before flying out to Portugal for a week of hard work and two friendly matches.
Speaking to htafc.com, Mark said: “The start to this pre-season has been slightly different as we have welcomed new staff into the group. We are all gelling together and getting used to each other’s way of working. We have also been pleased to welcome two new players to the group right from the start of pre season training, which has been good.
“The quality of the work has been pleasing and the players have been really conscientious and for the most part they have enjoyed it, despite it being tough! Their warm-ups have been extended ahead of each session to try and get some different work into them, which will hopefully keep them on the pitch for longer. We are working to get them conditioned as quickly as possible ahead of the games.
“The West Yorkshire weather has been magnificent, which has helped with what we wanted to do during the first week. We have completed the first phase of testing and the players are now ready for their first taste of football.
“I am pleased with the way that things have settled down. We have signed two players so far and I want to do some more recruiting. It's good to have two in early, in what has been a noticeably quieter market place, and there will be more to follow in due course. However, we need to make sure that the players coming in will make a difference and move us forward. I want us to strengthen defensively, whereas going forward we have got a fair amount of talented players and options.
“I am also looking for more from one or two that were on the periphery last season. Sean Scannell has returned to training with the bit between his teeth and is working hard. Whilst, it is good to have James Vaughan back who has been training alongside Nahki Wells, who looks really sharp.
“Danny Ward also looks lively and it has been good to see Joe Lolley up to speed with everybody in the sessions. He finished the season strongly at Watford and we want to try and move him forward with us. Things are taking shape and I am happy with the progress that we have made during the first week.”
The Terriers’ seven day trip to Portugual on Sunday will involve a behind closed match against Doncaster Rovers and a game against SC Portimonense. It will also provide Mark, his technical staff and players an opportunity to bond ahead of a long season.
“It will provide us with a different environment, but at the moment the conditions aren’t that different,” Mark said about the trip. “It will allow us to continue the work that we have started and also play against a new opposition in SC Portimonense. We are using the training camp that England used prior to the World Cup, so hopefully nothing rubs off on us!
“It is a brilliant chance to get everyone together for an extended period of time. It gives the new players and staff a decent opportunity to get to know everybody and bond. I am really pleased with how the players are interacting with one another. We are giving them problems to solve in training and they are working as a team to accomplish them.
“I believe the trip will prove highly beneficial in pushing on the players’ fitness levels.
“When we return, the lads who didn’t feature as much in the SC Portimonense game have an opportunity at Guiseley on the Monday. We then have virtually a full week to do more work on the training pitch ahead of the next game. We then have four games surrounded by Development friendlies which will also give some of the lads an opportunity to play.”
