Ward says he is happy with the plans he has put in place ahead of the new season. The players will return to Cribbs Causeway headquarters for the start of pre season on the 20th of June and are scheduled to play four warm up friendly games (vs Bath, Hereford, Derby & Reading) before the League 2 campaign starts on the 3rd of August. Ward said: "I think we'll probably have five games and I'm comfortable with that. I am keen not to double up with two games on the same day, because I think that stretches the squad a little too far. Reading and Derby will obviously gives us a couple of great games and there may be scope to get another one or two matches against local opposition if we need them before the start of the season. We're starting to put things in place so the players can hit the ground running as soon as they return to the training ground on the first day. I'm confident everyone in the squad will get a good amount of football in before we begin the season." Attempts were made to take Rovers away on a pre season training camp abroad. Ward said: "I had made enquiries about taking the players to a place in Holland where I have worked with other teams. It is a really good trip, but we were only offered the opportunity of three or four days with one game included. That seemed to me like a lot of upheaval for the chance to play just one game. We may do something a bit more locally, but the plan at the moment is to carry out most of our pre season work in Bristol. You have to consider the cost of these trips. You're probably looking at around £25,000 to take all of the squad away to Holland and I think I may be able to spend that money in a better way. I'm sure the chairman will offer his support it if we can identify a better value-for-money opportunity, but, just like every other club, we have to look at the cash side of things." Story taken from the Post. 4 maybe 5 games dont seem enough to me to get fully match fit and able to hit the ground running. What do you think? I have been reading from all the players on twitter that they been going to the gym daily on a training programme who keep fitness levels up during the summer. So thats a good thing.
I would say about six games myself. We need really to be playing Championship and 1st Division teams don't see the point in playing teams like Bath (no disrespect to them mind) and Mangotsfield the players just won't learn or gain anything from it maybe the youth players could play these games.
