Source: FOOTYMAD
Howe delighted with upgrade
Burnley are finally improving the training facilities for the players, both at Gawthorpe and at Turf Moor, and it is all meeting with the approval of manager Eddie Howe who has had a big say in the work that is being carried out. The changes at Gawthorpe, which will bring new modern dressing rooms, medical and treatment rooms, a players' lounge and offices as well as another outdoor training area, are well under way and now comes confirmation of the changes being made at Turf Moor. A new 3G training area will be operational in the old sports hall behind the Longside and the building will also house a bespoke elite gymnasium. The facilities will be available for all the teams, form the first team to all the centre of excellence teams. "We are pleased that behind the scenes the facilities are taking shape," Howe said. "My first impression, since coming in, is that the facilities needed a little bit of love. I have been fortunate enough that the board have been supportive in that quest and Doug Metcalfe, the stadium manager, has also been very helpful. "Having a new gymnasium will be massive for us because we didn't have that luxury last year. It is something we are firm believers in and I think it will improve the players' performance, so that's been a big reason behind the push. "It will be used by everybody, not just the first team but also the development squad and youth team and centre of excellence, so it's a real feather in the cap for everyone." Turning to the upgrade at Gawthorpe, he added: "The work that is done to Gawthorpe will also be a huge benefit going forward. The site just needed a bit of updating. It's been a long time since it's had any work done on it and if we can relocate the players, so they can change there in the morning, then it will be a huge step. "We want to set a professional environment where there are no excuses, for any reason, in terms of poor performance or attitude. We have to set the example as a club so the players follow suit and we are very fortunate that the board have backed us and we are hopeful that it will improve the facilities for many generations."
