This following is an edited extract from the full column in tonight’s matchday programme of The Ram. To read the full article by Neil Sullivan, pick up a copy of tonight’s official programme for just £2.00!
Pre-season is now officially over. All of the hard work has been completed, the friendly fixtures have been played and now it’s time for the season to start.
Unfortunately, Gareth Roberts has not been able to do as much of pre-season as we would have liked due to a hamstring niggle. However, in the build up to today’s game, we are hopeful he will be available for selection.
Similarly, Craig Bryson (groin) has missed a few days of training in the past week, and Mark O’Brien has had a slight reaction in his knee that has kept him in the gym for a few days too.
Shaun Barker is our only long term casualty now, and he is making steady progress in his recovery. We all know that this is going to be a long road for Shaun, but he remains extremely positive. His target at the moment is to restore his full range of movement - and every week this is improving.
The players have been providing some gems over the course of pre-season, but we’ll start with the youngest member of the squad Mason Bennett.
Mason picked up a knock to his ankle at Belper last week, so he spent a couple of days in the treatment room. One of the other players, Luke Adams is from New Zealand, and his nickname around the camp is obviously Kiwi.
“What’s a ‘Kiwi’”? Asked Mason... “No no don’t tell me... it’s a Koala Bear”.
Enjoy the game
Neil Sullivan