Aberdeen stars are back in training

Hard work starts as pre-season kicks off

By Sean Wallace

Published:

BACK TO THE GRIND: Dons boss Jimmy Calderwood addresses his players at Balgownie today. All pictures by Chris Sumner.

ABERDEEN today reported back to pre-season training in preparation for the new campaign.

Boss Jimmy Calderwood put his squad through their paces at Balgownie with less than two weeks before a glamour Pittodrie friendly against Manchester United.

Tanned, relaxed and back together after their summer lay off, the Dons were in high spirits.

But behind the upbeat atmosphere there was also a serious side, with every player desperate to get back to full sharpness as soon as possible.

And there was no hiding from the punishing schedule as Calderwood tested his troops to assess if they had followed his rigid training regime.

Calderwood set out a training schedule for the Dons to stick to while on holiday.

The gaffer will initiate a series of on the spot tests for the players to ensure they are up to scratch.

If any of them fail, it could spell disaster as Leigh Hinds and Bryan Prunty found out to their cost three seasons ago when they returned unfit for pre-season training and were axed.

But there were no slackers in the Dons ranks as they all looked fit and ready for their assault on the SPL.

The training schedule will be stepped up over the week by Calderwood to get the players in shape for the United clash and the tour of Holland next month

New signings Gary McDonald, Sammy Stewart and towering keeper Bertrand Bossu met up with their team-mates for the first time today.

And under the glaring heat at Balgownie the trio shared a laugh and joke with the Dons, despite the rigours of the first day’s training.

Calderwood said: “The lads know they’ve got to follow a strict programme over the summer months to make sure they are as fit as possible for the start of the new season.

“I’m sure they will all have been working hard over the summer but anyone guilty of not doing that will fall foul in the long run.

“It’s just great to be back and now all the excitement in the build up to the new season starts properly.

“There’s still a lot of work to be done before that big kick-off but things are now underway as we look ahead to the first matches and the tour of Holland.

“We’re still a few weeks away from heading away, so will work hard in Aberdeen to get the lads up to speed.”