THIS IS NOT A DRILL
ST JOHNSTONE LATEST
CALLUM DAVIDSON has been there, seen it and done it when it comes to stepping up training following the lockdown.
The new St Johnstone boss went through the same process as Millwall No.2 as they geared up for a return to action in the Championship.
Now he’s readying Saints for full-contact training and trying to arrange pre-season friendlies before the big kick-off.
Davidson said: “It’s about getting the football side of it back because just straight running or work on the bike isn’t the same.
“It helps the general fitness but it’s about getting touches of the ball, adjusting your feet and getting back to doing the movements we are looking for.
“We have been doing hard work but it’s about getting up to speed football-wise and having that base for the season.
“I have actually enjoyed the small-sided training because you get more contact time on the ball for each player.
“If you are in a group of six or eight, you get more work done compared to when you’re in a big group. We were doing
BY GORDON BANNERMAN it at Millwall preparing for the Championship season starting again so I have enjoyed the way it has worked.
“It’s been interesting as a coach to come up with ways of working that are slightly different to normal.
“Having full-contact training starting helps with your shape, match simulation and in preparing the way you want to play. Having five weeks from contact training starting is enough time.
“I remember from being a player, if it’s too long you are constantly thinking ‘when’s the first game’ so it’s about having the right balance.
“We have got that, hopefully we’ll get games nearer the start of the season.”
With a continental training camp ruled out, Davidson will look to play top-flight rivals.
He said: “It’s not a big issue playing against who you will face in the league. It’s about getting fitness into the players.
“If we can get two 90-minute games before the first week of the season then we’ll be where we want to be.”