The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Physical regime
Players will be training three times a day
Caley Thistle manager John Robertson says his Inverness players must be prepared for up to three training sessions each day under his new regime in the countdown to the new season.
Caley Thistle manager John Robertson says his players must be prepared for up to three training sessions each day under his new regime.
Robertson last week returned to Caledonian Stadium on a twoyear contract, taking over from Richie Foran, who was sacked after the Highlanders’ relegation to the Championship.
The 52-year-old most recently worked in an ambassadorial role at Hearts but has returned for his second spell at Caley Jags, having previously spent two years with the club between 2002 and 2004.
Robertson’s training approach will be similar to that introduced at Hearts by the Tynecastle side’s former head coach Robbie Neilson three years ago, but he says the focus of his sessions will vary.
Robertson, who is close to making out-of-contract Falkirk forward John Baird his first signing of the summer, said: “Once we get into it the players will be training three times a day, which people will raise their eyebrows about.
“It’s not as Draconian as they might think but we have to look at the modern way of doing it. “We have to look at technical sessions, physical sessions, running sessions, as well as strengthening and conditioning.
“If we can use three sessions rather than two, we will do it.
“We may be training at seven in the morning, and we may be training at seven at night. That’s the way it is.
“The players are going to enjoy it – I want to have players coming here wondering what’s going to happen when they come into training, and wondering what they’re going to do next.
“The plan is to have them as fit, strong and technically ready as they can be, so they leave nothing in the dressing-room and play with a smile on their face.”
Inverness’ players will return to pre-season training earlier than expected, with Robertson acting quickly to touch base with his squad after his appointment last Wednesday.
Caley Thistle’s first game is a Betfred Cup group stage match at home to Brechin City on July 15 and Robertson feels they need all the preparation time they can get.
Robertson added: “Scott Kellacher contacted all the players last week to try and get them back earlier.
“Next Monday is just a bit too tight, so what we have asked the lads is if they can come back on Thursday.
“Obviously, they may be on family holidays and breaks and if that’s the case it’s fine.”