Hard work ahead but Brayford knows the rewards
SKIPPER IS READY FOR PRE-SEASON AS ALBION PLAYERS START AT ST GEORGE’S PARK TODAY
JOHN Brayford could be forgiven for losing count of how many pre-seasons he has done but he is ready for another after signing his new Burton Albion deal.
The 34-year-old club captain signed a two-year contract last week and is focused on another League One campaign, with the Brewers returning for pre-season today.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s squad have already been at the University of Derby to work alongside the Sport and Exercise department and the Human Performance Unit.
Fitness coach Pablo Garcia led a morning session, checking on the players’ fitness levels and collecting data ahead of their full return for pre-season at St George’s Park.
And Brayford knows there is a lot of hard work ahead before the League One campaign begins on the weekend of July 30-31.
“You know it’s coming, no point worrying about it because it’s going to be tough,” Brayford told ifollow Brewers.
“But it’s good for you. What you put in, you get rewards from. There’s no point quitting halfway through something because it hurts, you have got to get through that.
“That’s what it’s there for, to give you a core foundation to go into the season and be ready.
“It’s an early start because of everything that’s happening with the World Cup (taking place in Qatar between November 21-December 18).
“I’m not sure what number this pre-season is for me but it’s more of a mental than physical battle.
“We pull each other through because it is a massive part of how you will stand in the season. You need that mental strength, especially when you play Saturday-tuesday, and the pre-season work means you get the rewards throughout the season, as tough as it may be in preseason.”
Brayford enjoys leading the Brewers as skipper and is looking forward to helping Hasselbaink’s side make their mark in 2022-23.
“Whether I was captain or not, I feel like I have that responsibility to help the other players,” said Brayford. “It’s our group and we need to keep it as tight-knit as possible because you see the rewards on the pitch as the season goes on.
“Team bonding is good and strengthens the core of the squad. It’s only beneficial for the football club.
“Hopefully, I can continue to help these players on their journey.”
Brayford completed an unprecedented Brewers treble last season, winning both the Players’ Player of the Season and the Supporters’ Player of the Season awards.
In addition, he won the Player in the Community award and he enjoys doing his bit off the field just as
much as on it.
“You get to know people in the area, people want to stop and chat about football and I love that side of things,” he added.
“Hopefully, I can help give the club a good profile away from the stadium as well.”