Hill’s men fly in for Fylde fixture
KEITH Hill’s Rochdale squad start their pre-season fixture programme today with the trip to AFC Fylde.
Dave Challinor’s men were recently promoted from the Vanarama National League North to the National League and are sure to provide a testing run out for the Dale squad on the back of their exertions in Tenerife this week.
Hill’s players returned from their training camp in the Canary Islands on Thursday, greatly encouraged by a hard week’s graft in the sunshine.
Striker Steven Davies was undertaking his 16th pre-season as a professional and said the work did not get any easier.
“It has been good – there has been an awful lot of hard work,” he told the club’s official website. “Given the temperatures we’ve been working under, it has been difficult, but I think everyone to a man has applied themselves properly.
“Once you get tired, that’s when you start not applying yourself properly, but the Gaffer has been on us on all week to make sure that we’re ready to work when we get to the training pitch.
“We do get a bit of down time in between sessions and it’s just about using it wisely and resting up so we’re ready for the next one.
“It has been very tough but I think the Gaffer has managed the time well and everyone has worked really hard.”
And that sentiment was echoed Mark Kitching who, like Davies, was taking part in his first pre-season under Hill.
“Everyone has come back flying,” he said.
“I feel really fit and strong, so hopefully I can kick on. I’ve come back fitter than I ever have done and I can’t wait for the season to start.
“During the summer, we’ve got two and bit months off, so for the first three weeks I just chilled out, then since then I’ve been training hard over the summer – going on runs and getting into the gym etc to try and get as fit as possible so that I could come back and hit the ground running.”
“It’s good for everyone to get away and get bonding.
“The Gaffer wants you to give 110 per cent and you’ve got to do it, but all the lads are doing well so far.
“Training out here is a lot different to training back home. It’s more mentally draining, as well as physically, as we’ve got the sun to contend with.
“It’s about keep hydrated and looking after yourself, so that when you get on the training pitch you’re ready to give 110 per cent.”
Today’s game at Fylde is followed by two away games on Tuesday 18th July, both kicking off at 7.45pm kick-off.
Hill will be sending a squad to face Chorley while another set of players go to FC Halifax Town.