Fri 30 Jun - Posted in Breaking News
Time to read: 2mins
Johnny Russell says Derby County’s players are going to have nowhere to hide in their aim to get fully prepared for the 2017/18 Sky Bet Championship season.
The Rams returned for pre-season training at the Training Centre in partnership with the University of Derby on Thursday (29th June) morning to undertake their first double session.
That came just over seven weeks after the end of the 2016/17 campaign.
Like his team mates, Russell, 27, has enjoyed some quality time with his family over that timeframe and spoke of the importance of having something else to think about other than football.
After reporting back for duty yesterday, though, he has spoken about this pre-season, under Gary Rowett, resembling a fresh start.
Russell told RamsTV: “I had a great break. I think at times it is needed, but it’s good to be back and see all the boys as well.
“It was good to get away with my family, though, and think about other things other than football to get refreshed and get my head right ahead of the new season.
“I feel like this pre-season is a fresh start for everyone and we are all buzzing about it.”
During the off-season, each Derby player was given a unique schedule to adhere to – a plan constructed to ensure that every member of the first team squad was fully prepared for the gruelling pre-season that Rowett had in store.
Following the conclusion of the first training session, the Derby manager mentioned that it was clear that his players had all completed the work set.
With everyone looking in great shape, Russell says the Rams are ready for what’s to come.
He added: “We’ve had a five-week programme to stick to and I’ve had to upload data so that they know where I’m at and what I’m doing.
“You have to come back fit. Everyone does. If you don’t then you always run the risk of being a bit behind everyone.
“There is no hiding place and it is just one of those things that you need to do in order to be ready.
“It has been a tough programme, but we have an even tougher programme ahead of as well and I am looking forward to it.
“Under the gaffer, we’ve heard a few rumours about his pre-season routine, so if it’s anything like that, we are in for a tough programme.”
Rowett Pleased With Rams Fitness
