Andy King points to Bristol City's improved fitness and says Robins will be ready for Preston Robins midfielder gave update on the West Country side's international break in a radio interview on Monday please log in to view this image Bristol City midfielder Andy King has discussed his time in the South West and given some insight into the work that the Robins have been doing over the international break. The former Leicester City man spoke to Geoff Twentyman on Monday's Sound of the City BBC Radio Bristol programme, covering how Nigel Pearson's side are doing so far this season. Following victory in the Severnside Derby in their last Championship fixture, the Robins have recorded back-to-back wins on the road. The next aim must be getting that elusive three points in BS3, after 12 league games without a victory at Ashton Gate. King has played 301 minutes so far this league campaign, heading in Matty James' free-kick against Middlesbrough and setting up Chris Martin to score in the first fixture against Blackpool. "We did some hard work at the start of last week," the 32-year-old explained. "We re-did our tests on one of the days to compare where we were from the start of pre-season to where we are now. "And to see the hard work we did in pre-season, then the first block of games... So we re-did those tests. The staff, and sports science staff in particular, were really pleased with some of the results, seeing big improvements from not only the start of this season but probably also where we were at the end of last season. "So for sure, the squad is in a better place," he said. In a boost for the Robins, King explained that Callum O'Dowda and Joe Williams were both involved in full training on Monday too. The Bristol City players have had a few days off but the focus is now turning to that chance to send home the Ashton Gate crowd happy on Saturday come roughly 5pm. "Tomorrow [Tuesday] will be training again... We'll do some sort of gym work in the afternoon, probably legs or power or something like that," explained King. "Wednesday might be a down day, then I think Thursday and Friday we'll start to home in on the weekend, looking at some tactical work, what we need to do to nullify them. The strengths we can maybe bring to exploit their weaknesses. "And get ready for the game, a bit of match prep, and Friday there will be a little bit less so we're all fresh for the game on Saturday. And on Saturday, hopefully go and get the three points," said the 50-cap Wales international. Preston come to town following Bristol City finally beating them last January 2-0 at home ending a run of 15 games without victory in contests between the pair. https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/andy-king-points-bristol-citys-5880667
' So for sure, the squad is in a better place.' The players are fitter, stronger and available, good news.
All positive stuff, god knows we had more than our fair share of big injuries, and volume of injuries in the last 2 seasons. However, what is King's frame of reference for the players being fitter, stronger and in a better place? Given he wasn't at the football club before this season, is he talking about progress since he joined, since pre-season started, since the season started? As I say all positive!
Interesting about fitness. I always thought fitness was a big bugbear of LJ - he made a lot of it with his ‘busy bees’ statements. I’m not sure if our players weren’t FIT when we struggled last season, rather their hearts and minds were not focussed. Whatever, it’s great that we seem to be starting to win games - and nobody can argue against the benefits of being fit.
If we were able to beat Preston it would relieve a huge weight from the players, fans and the Managers shoulders.
I have watched every game home and away apart from Boro-i tell you these players look different gravy under NP and his team. Six points from the next two home games will set us up nicely.
It was a shambles pre NP arriving however he can't come out and say that blatantly. But he knows how bad it was.
First part of last season, couldn't call a shambles as we were around the top of the league, from then on and when NP took over, it was a total shambles, right through to the end of the season.... But this season, it has looked a lot better & promising.....but still very early days and the test will be, when we get injuries and suspensions.......
And if injuries take hold please don’t blame NP for that as his hands have been tied in the market. What I will say is the players he has now look a different proposition. They look mean and lean.
I don't think the manager is to blame unless (a) he bought in a player with a poor injury record or (b) he plays someone too soon when he is still recovery from an injury. Injuries happen and we suffered more than our fair share during the LJ/DH era, but IMHO our medical team were the bad boys at that time.
