Pre-season preparation pivotal to on field success.
Andy Butler underlined the importance of this weekend’s squad training sessions in Scotland.
Manager Darren Ferguson has returned to his homeland in a bid to integrate new signings in to the Rovers setup, according to Butler.
“It should be a good team exercise, it’s good to get all the lads together and have a little bit of bonding so we get to know each other,” he said.
“That’s what’s going to be important this season, the whole squad – the gaffer has made it clear- need to stick together and really benefit from being around each other and have a good atmosphere.
“The news lads have settled in really well, they’ve shown what they can do in the few days that they’ve been here. They're not shy, we don’t want shy people around here, we want people to speak their minds and that’s what they’ve done so far.”
The attention to detail surrounding fitness is all part of the longer term project, starting on 6th August and the season opener against Accrington Stanley.
“We all want to play football,” he said.
“These days aren’t that enjoyable but we have to get through them to play the football.
“We’re looking forward to them and it’s all about the first game of the season; the pre-season friendlies are there for fitness but it’s all based around the first game which we’re looking forward to.
“It’s tough but pre season is all about fitness and we’re in to get fit for the campaign which starts in a month’s time. We’re looking forward to the season but it’s important to get these days under our belts.
“The base fitness is what you really rely on all season. You have a poor pre-season and you’re going to have a poor season. The lads have come back really fit and it’s a good start so far.”