Source: Northern_Echo
Strachan warns troops it will be a short summer
GORDON STRACHAN has warned his players they should ditch plans for a long summer holiday, insisting that Middlesbrough's pre-season campaign has already begun.[LNB] Failure to secure a spot in the Championship play-offs may have prompted Strachan's squad to begin planning their extended break from football but the manager has other ideas.[LNB] Rather than enjoying the traditional two-month hiatus, Boro's players will be recalled early for pre-season training as Strachan intends to whip them into shape to stage an assault on the division next season.[LNB] Details of the squad's preseason programme will be revealed next week but one thing is clear, Boro's players this summer face the prospect of a boot camp, rather than a holiday camp.[LNB] The manager began scheming their route back into the Premier League on the team coach in the wake of last Saturday's defeat to West Brom that consigned the Teessiders to another year outside the top flight. And he believes his pampered players will benefit from the type of graft he undertook when he was starting his playing career at Dundee in the early 1970s.[LNB] Pre-season started on Monday, said Strachan.[LNB] They'll not be getting a complete break this summer, that's for sure. I can't remember ever getting eight or nine weeks off when I was a player.[LNB] When I was at Dundee I had to get a job at Timex just to make the money up because your wages got cut in the summer, from about £45 to £30. So I had to make it up by working at Timex. I sent 2,000 watches to the wrong place once! It was deadly.[LNB] Because of the number of injuries and games we've had we've never really had a chance to look at their fitness as a group. We started that, and from that we'll have a programme.[LNB] They'll have a schedule so we are in tip-top condition.[LNB] We've already started that process, looking at who needs what in terms of improvements.[LNB] We also have to see if injury-wise, was this a freak season or can we do more to prevent it next season We are looking to make the players fitter so they can handle injuries better.[LNB] We have to be ready for this league next year. We need to look for versatile players who can play two or three positions.[LNB] We've had midfielders playing in defence.[LNB] I find it uncomfortable dealing with on-loan players because they are not truly yours. You can't put them under pressure like you could with your own players because they are doing you a favour by being here.[LNB] It's like being an international manager. You can't get right in their faces. I want a settled squad, not a revolving door where people are being sold or coming in on loan.[LNB] With warm weather expected on Teesside, this afternoon's visit of Coventry City could have the feel of a preseason game,but Strachan has demanded his players end their home campaign in style.[LNB] It doesn't really matter what happens in the next couple of games, we already know the character of the players,[LNB] said Strachan.[LNB] What I want is to put on some good football that the crowd can enjoy and I can enjoy as well, because I am still a football fan. I want to see football I can enjoy.[LNB] Strachan denied the disappointment of this season's campaign would harden his resolve to secure promotion next term.[LNB] He said: I can't switch my determination up and down.[LNB] It's either there or not. You give it what you've got. I would be inconsolable if the players tried harder this week than they did two weeks ago.[LNB] Boro's Early Bird deadline for next season's Season Card purchases is 7pm on Wednesday, April 28. After this date all prices increase by up to £30, with a further price rise after the renewals deadline on June 4. 2010-11 adult Season Card holders can save up to £228.[LNB] The saving is worth up to £344 for those aged 18-21 if they purchase a Season Card for the North-West or South-West corners for £185 (£8 per game). Under-18 prices remain just £95, £4.13 per match.hile prices for those aged over-65 start at £230, or £10 per game.[LNB] Full details at mfc.co.uk, or call the ticket office on 0844 499 1234.[LNB]
