Preston move up through gears in training with AFC Fylde up next

PNE players take a drinks break during a training session at Springfields this week (photo: NEIL CROSS)

On Saturday, PNE make the short trip to Mill Farm to face AFC Fylde.

The following day they fly to Cork for a training camp, during which they play Cobh Ramblers next Tuesday.

It will be a welcome change of scene for the squad who have been doing their work at Springfields since reporting back after the summer break a fortnight ago.

Alex Neil has been putting them through double sessions as he gets them ready for the opening-day game against Queens Park Rangers at Deepdale.

Neil told the Post: “What we do at AFC Fylde will be similar to how we approached things at Bamber Bridge.

“After that we go to Ireland and we’ve got the game with Cobh Ramblers while we are over there.

“When we get back we’ve then got the two games against Premier League teams.

“That will be a big step up and a very good test for us.”

A big factor of pre-season has been the heat but the workload has not changed as a result.

In fact it could help fitness levels.

North End keeper Declan Rudd said: “We know how hot it has been and it is hard work. Training in this weather gets you fit and will help us be ready when the  season starts.

“It will be the same for all the other teams but you’ve got to see it as a benefit.”

PNE striker Louis Moult said: “You often see teams go to La Manga and places like that in order to train in the heat.

“We’ve had that kind of weather here since we came back and got the benefit of it.

“Your body has to work that bit harder in the heat so that should help us get to where we want to be that bit quicker.”

Admission at AFC Fylde is £12 terracing and £15 seats, with Under-16s charged £5 in both areas.