Hartley hopes to hit the ground running
Motherwell stopper Peter Hartley admits he’s relishing pre-season – because it gives him a chance of breaking back into the first team.
The 30-year-old missed the second half of last season – including the club’s run to the Scottish Cup final – due to a foot injury he picked up during the winter break.
Having featured in a 1-0 friendly win over Crusaders on Saturday, the centre-back is keen to put in the miles now to ensure he’s ready for the Betfred Cup kick-off against Edinburgh City on July 17.
“It has been very tough,”said Hartley.
“There is been a lot of running, a lot of team shape, a lot of touches on the ball.
“I’ve had pre-seasons five or six years ago when you didn’t get a ball out until two weeks in.
“I feel great, I’m pain free and doing everything, ticking the boxes, making sure I’m getting the match sharpness. I’m getting involved with absolutely everything.”
Hartley hopes the Fir Park club can replicate their success last season, which saw them reach the Betfred Cup final and narrowly miss out on a place in the Premiership top six.
He said:“we achieved so much and became much closer as a team because of the success we had last season.
“It’s very important that we kept the core together to drive the new boys forward when they come in, and obviously we set the standard.
“We are not planning on standing still; we’re planning on moving forward and breaking into that top six.
“If you stand still you’re going to get overtaken, so we have to keep moving forward and improving as a team.
“The only way to do that is to grow, get fitter and instil the principles we’ve drilled into ourselves, and we go one step further – either with winning a cup final or breaking into the top six.”
With several new faces in through the door at Motherwell, Peter hopes they settle in well.
He said:“the boys are quiet at the minute. We haven’t had much time to get to know the personalities of the new boys yet, but they seem like good lads and good players, which is the most important thing.
“The new boys have bedded in well, so long may it continue.”