As the playing squad begin to re-acclimatise themselves with the English weather, Rovers Player spoke to James Husband about the previous week spent in warmer surroundings.
Paul Dickov took his Rovers side for a week of intense training in the Portuguese sun in order to ensure that they are as fit as possible for the start of the season.
The players had been taking part in up to three training sessions a day, and James Husband admitted that, although it was difficult, the trip was beneficial to the players.
“It was a good trip and it was very hot, but we got a lot out of it fitness wise; we worked really hard,” he said.
“We were doing two to three sessions a day, but we have come out at the other end better for it.
“It sounds good going to Portugal, and, although it was enjoyable it was hard work.
“It was a little bit more difficult than what we were used to doing down here at Cantley Park because of the heat. It was energy-sapping more than anything else, but the sessions were really beneficial all in all.”
Husband revealed that the secret behind being energised and ready for each training session was sleep.
“We had to make sure that we were ready for every training session we took part in. The group that I was in spent an hour or so sleeping in between sessions to ensure that we were ready for the next one.”
James added that, as well as being an essential part of pre-season for footballing reasons, it also gave an opportunity to the new recruits to get to know their teammates.
“As well as for the training, the trip was good for team bonding. It meant that the new lads could get to know the rest of us, which can only be a good thing going into the league season.”