Bruce warns squad over fitness

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has warned his players they will be fined if they return for pre-season training carrying extra weight. Bruce want his squad to re-charge their batteries during the close-season, but he will expect them to keep in shape once they have had a rest.He told the club's official website: "I'm a big believer that players do need a rest, both physically and mentally."They have been bang at it for months, so now they can re-charge their batteries, have a few bottles of beer on the beach and chill out ahead of the new season."They must take advantage of the rest - it's invaluable - but I expect them to keep themselves ticking over. The players will be fined heavily if they come back overweight - but you don't tend to see that nowadays."Players are much more educated now. They know what to eat and drink and they know they can't do either of those things excessively."

Source: Team_Talk