VIDEO: Back to work
Hatters report for pre-season training
Soaring temperatures of up to 28C meant it was a hard day's work for Luton Town's stars when they returned to pre-season training yesterday.
Last season's squad welcomed new boys Adam Newton, Liam Hatch, Andy Burgess, Alan White and Mark Tyler into the fold and, after the players' weight and body fat measurements had been taken, the training proper started.
Coach Kevin Watson said: "It went very well. We just eased the lads back into it – it wasn't too strenuous.
"The heat dictated to us not to stay out there too long as it was very draining."
And he was impressed with the shape in which most of the Hatters' squad had returned.
He continued: "It was all pretty straightforward. On the whole the players have come back very fit and lean.
"The new lads seem good lads."
But Watson revealed that the balls won't come out properly until next week.
He said: "We have to build up gently. When the boys haven't done anything for a couple of months you can't just go crashing balls about."
The first day's training consisted of multi-functional running, ball circuits and weight circuits, but Ed Asafu-Adjaye, who has just agreed to extend his current deal by two years, revealed it was pretty tough going.
He said: "The heat made it a lot more difficult than it should be."
But Asafu-Adjaye was pleased to be back and was delighted with his condition after the summer break.
He continued: "I am the same weight I was when I left and I've put on some muscle, so it's good.
"It's nice to be back even though the break is so short.
"It's always nice to be back at the club and in and around the boys.
"The new lads have settled in very quickly – it's not like it's our first day back."
Captain Kevin Nicholls was also in good form and delighted to be back in action – even if the vicious sun doesn't agree with him.
He said: "A few of the lads have come back with nice tans apart from me.
"I've been looking forward to it. I kept counting down the days until we were back.
"There was a little bit of running and a little ball work. I think it will get more intense as it goes on.
"We'll get the running out of the way and the balls will be out soon."
Having enjoyed spending the summer with his family, Nicholls just wants to get on with the season, with the fixtures set to be announced tomorrow.
He added: "It's been a good summer to re-charge your batteries and that.
"I could have taken the five-game ban last season but we tried to survive instead. But I'm sure we've got enough to do well as a group.
"We need to get off to a good start and I think we will.
"What we do this season is up to us. It was hard last season.
"It was good meeting the new signings. I know all the lads anyway because I've played against them. I hope they all have very successful careers at Luton."
>> Yesterday, goalkeeper Dean Brill signed a two-year contract with League One outfit Oldham Athletic.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Bedford
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: -1 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: -6 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South east
