North End stars passed their f irst f itness test at Brig – Heckingbottom
Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom was delighted with his players’ fitness levels after his side began their pre-season campaign with victory at Bamber Bridge.
Heckingbottom fielded two different sides in each half of the 4-1 win against Jamie Milligan'’s side on Tuesday, with fitness very much the focus for the evening.
He said: “I've not changed too much in terms of pre-season preparation over the years in terms of trying to get the lads what they need, in terms of getting them ready for the first game.
“We have had a tough first week back and we will have a tougher week again in Spain next week and the lads will start getting more minutes under their belts.”
PNE will step up their preparations for the new season with a six-day training camp in Murcia, where they will play a friendly against Cambridge United at the Pinatar Arena next Friday.
“What I can say is they have come back fitter than last season and are in a good space physically and that is all you can ask for,” added Heckingbottom.
“We want them to be fit and we want them to be stronger and they are, which is a good sign. We will keep giving them minutes and add in the tactical work.”
The only downside on the evening was an ankle injury to Thierry Small which saw him substituted after half an hour but Heckingbottom is hoping there was no lasting damage.
He said: “Thierry should be okay but there were one or two who have got some bumps and bruises but that is part of pre season.
“Contact is part of the game and it is 10 or 11 weeks since the last game and players need to get used to it again.”