Boss on benefits of a hard week's training in the Algarve
John Still hopes the Town’s intensive week’s training in Portugal will stand his players in good stead once more ahead of the new season – just like it did in the previous campaign.
The Town approach their first season back in the Football League since 2008/09 on the back of a magnificent campaign last term that began with seven days of training in the heat of the Algarve.
And Still believes those gruelling days in the sun can benefit his squad once again as he and the Town prepare for life in League 2.
“It was really tough last year but that week in Portugal set the foundations for us,” the boss told Hatters Player. “That hard work is like putting money in the bank: it’s there for when you need it.
“At the back end of last season we had no Luke Guttridge, no Jonathan Smith and had three young lads in the centre of midfield. They worked hard. We won eight of our last 10 matches without playing fantastic but we got those results because of the hard work. We were so fit, so strong and so disciplined, and that’s what Portugal can help give us.
“I said to the players last year ‘trust me, this will win you games’. Most of the players now know the benefits of the trip.”
The Hatters remain in Portugal until Monday and take on Segunda Division outfit Farense in a practise match on Thursday.
The manager, however, just wants the season proper to start.
“To be honest I’m not a lover of friendlies,” admitted Still. “I’ll be pleased to be playing football, but I’ll be happier when the season starts for real. It’s just a process we have to go through.
“We’ll do things right but when the season starts we’ll be ready.
“We didn’t start the season too well last year, and we might not start this season too well either.
“But we’ll be ready. The longer the season goes the better we’ll get.”
You can watch the whole interview with the boss exclusively on Hatters Player. Player is available for as little as 10p per day, or £40 for the season. Player will be the only place to listen to online match commentary on the Town next season. Click here to sign up.