BOWYER’S CAUTION AT 1874

JOINT manager of 1874 Northwich, Paul Bowyer, has revealed what it’s like creating effective socially distanced sessions.

“It’s great to be back with all the lads again. We are now in the position where we are trying to create sessions to accommodate the large numbers we are getting,” he said.

Bowyer and co-boss Wayne Goodison decided to make the return to training optional due to the current circumstances; however, excellent numbers have attended each session.

“It’s what sets our players apart. We said it was optional but they all want to be here and it’s brilliant to see the way they have returned. “They’ve all come back much fitter than they finished last season, they’ve all looked after themselves well,” he added.

With the social distancing measures still in place, Bowyer explained: “The biggest challenge is to create different exercises which keep everybody on their toes.

“Usually without the social distancing measures we would be able to create sessions where we would break it up between some contact and non-contact work. However, now, we can’t do that so when you have the whole session for two hours, you have to put in exercises which keep a high tempo.

“I think we are all just waiting for when we can get the green light for things to go back to some normality, and then we can develop our sessions more and run normal drills.”

Amongst the players to attend the sessions were Jack Irlam, Ryan Jackson, Ryan Mitchell, Jack Pritchard and Joe Woolley – who have 473 appearances for the club to their name.

Their returns will offset the departures of Mike Koral, Nathan Okome and Stuart Wellstead.