Do the long-distance preseason tours by PL clubs have any function other than money making? It's becoming routine for clubs like Manchester United to do overseas tours during their preseason. I understand that Arsenal are planning one this year, whereas they normally don't. I have also seen clubs doing really tough stuff like training with the army etc. Does it really build up stamina to do a short period of stress? We all know that our preseason last year was very effective for not overworking the players as had happened the year before. Fitness is surely about steady build up of stamina with rest as important as effort. Adkins is excited about preseason (no change there then), but also JRod mentioned that although tiring they are doing things all related to football. I wonder if we'll get to the point of Saints being dragged to the far East at the cost of fitness. Let's hope Man City are tired and unprepared on the 19/8.
We couldnt wish for a better man than an ex-physio for understanding the effects of training on the body. If and when we en up doing long distance tours, I am sure that NA will stillaintain the correct level of build up.
'Fitness' is such a complex issue these days. Many things that were always a given have now changed. The science behind it is incredible. A goalkeeper will have different requirements than a midfield player and things are now tailored to the individual. Travelling long distances puts unwanted strains on an athlete's body. I used to go the the USA quite regularly and trying to jog the first morning was like running in treacle. I once ran a race at 8.00am having only arrived at 1.00am. I was sick for a week. Anyway, these long-distance trips are clearly for money making and marketing purposes, they can only have a detrimental effect on the players. So for clubs like Man City, bring them on!
Apparently Man U are going to both South Africa AND China in pre-season tours this summer. If that is correct, then that's incredibly environmentally irresponsible.
They will then complain about fixture congestion and player burn out resulting in calls for the Premier League to be cut from 20 teams. Why should man u etc care about the teams forced down the football league pyramid. Of course there's no other function than PR, money really.
Adkins says that Tadanari and Steve Davis will both travel to France with squad. Says he doesn't want to rush them back and undo their recovery. Davis apparently had an op whilst at Rangers! Says Davis is ahead of Lee in recovery. Added there was no issue about Davis...insisted he was a Saints player. On Sky: FIFA have written to SFA asking why international registration hasn't been released.
