Tuesday 24th May 2016
PRE-SEASON training. The words every footballer dreads.
And for Dumbarton’s squad, there are only three more weeks left before that rigour kicks in.
Saturday, June 18 is the date when Sons will return to action – only 10 days before the pre-season friendly with Dundee.
But assistant manager Stevie Farrell is confident of the players returning in good shape to begin preparations for the 2016/17 campaign.
Speaking before the signing of Andy Stirling, which was announced this evening, Stevie said: “Ten years ago the earlier start to the season might have made it more difficult in terms of squad planning and preparation.
“Players didn’t look after themselves as well, but now they have individual programmes which will keep them in shape for their return to training.
“They don’t have a lot of time off and we have no concerns at all about how they will come back to business.
“And I have always said that playing games is the best way to get match fitness, so the earlier we have games, the better.”
Stevie added that it is hoped to add another two games to the pre-season calendar before the League Cup section starts on Saturday, July 16.
Picture from pre-season training in 2013.
Andy Galloway