Source: Northern_Echo
Strachan issues player fitness level warning
GORDON STRACHAN has warned his Middlesbrough players to keep the pounds off before heading off to La Manga for a training camp or face early pre-season pain.[LNB] Boro are due to head out to Spain at the end of the week as Strachan attempts to keep his squad in shape before a further four-week break ahead of a return for full preseason training at Rockliffe Park late next month.[LNB] But the Middlesbrough manager does not want his players' fitness levels take a dive since they lost their final match at Leicester City on May 2. As soon as it became clear the Teessiders would not make the play-offs Strachan had upped the work-rate on the training ground to highlight what shape he expects his men to be in.[LNB] And defender Jonathan Grounds claims every member of the dressing room has been left in no doubt about what is expected of them during the summer.[LNB] We had a really hard two weeks training before the Leicester game so we know what sort of training we will be doing, said Grounds. It's to be expected. I wouldn't say you look forward to pre-season legs, but you have to be ready for the hard work.[LNB] If a few people come back with a few extra pounds on them then I can see them having to put more work in than the others, a couple of double sessions for definite.[LNB] Grounds is satisfied he has been keeping himself in shape ahead of the trip to La Manga and he has the extra incentive to work for a new contract.[LNB] The 22-year-old has attracted interest from Huddersfield and Norwich City because he will become a free agent at the end of next month, although Middlesbrough will be due compensation.[LNB] Strachan has already outlined to the defender that he wants him to stay at the Riverside Stadium, but there is still a need for more discussions.[LNB] I have been speaking with the club now for a couple of weeks and I'm still in negotiations,[LNB] he said. I would love to be here next year. Hopefully I will be staying and that we can sort something out.[LNB] It's been a disappointing season, stop start for me. It's been like that for the team; difficult and disappointing.[LNB] Now it's over we are all ready for the hard work because it's going to be a big year for everyone connected with the club.[LNB] Middlesbrough continue to scour the market for targets and Rochdale's young defender Craig Dawson has emerged another possibility. Fulham are also interested and Rochdale are looking for a fee starting at £750,000 rising to £2m.[LNB]
