As we revealed in todays TVOS  as part of the long term development plan at the club we now have our very own gym facility in the bowels of The Westrose Stand.
 
Assistant manager Dave Flitcroft says that it is another important tool in the box of the coaching staff at all levels.
" We identified a room underneath the stand and have spent a 5 figure sum to refurbish and renovate it and fit air conditioning.We have equipment there to help the injured lads in their rehabilitation and we also have 5 stations which will help with every part of the strength conditioning work that we do.It will help the younger players in particular, whether they are dropping weight or gaining muscle mass. Hopefully we will start seeing the results from it but it is a long programme of between about a year and 3 years.It is not a short term fix but it is a fix that everyone ,including the Centre of Excellence lads, can benefit from."
" It is unbelievable for us to now have our own gym and we now have a Saturday morning squad where Guy Proctor, our fitness coach, comes in and takes some of the substitutes and some of the lads who might or not be playing and gives them a hit. It is a wonderful tool to use and know that it is ours"

Developing a football club is not just about Saturdays at 3.00pm and this is another example of the meticulous long term planning that has been put into place by Dave and manager Keith Hill.
" For development you do need facilities. We obviously go on about the training ground but it is about other facilities as well-technical, tactical, physical and mental.We have implemented people to deal with that and we know that we have the right staff in place. Now it is a case of getting the right facilities.Having your own facilities is crucial , having your own key and being able to use it whenever you need it is crucial because you are never short of a place to go.In the past players here have had to do road runs around the town.We have got the air conditioning and a decent floor down and the lads want to work in there now"

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Beechy giving things a trial run
"We have got a lot of kit in there for fitness conditioning and rehab and I want to thank a friend of mine Colin Marriott who has supplied it from Service Sport. He has done a deal with the club which is phenominal .He knew the importance of us having a good gym of our own and what he has done for us is great."
One of the driving forces behind the plan, Director Andrew Kelly added, " This is something that we felt that we had to support the management team on and is an excellent addition to the facilities that we have here at the club. As well as thanking Service Sport for their help and input we also have to say a big thank you to The Supporters Trust for the invaluable help that they have given us with regards to the funding"

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