Goalkeeper Josh Lillis spoke to Dale PlayerHD after the first session in Tenerife…
“Coming away is brilliant for us,” said Lillis.
“It takes all the distractions away - you’re all in the one complex and you train in the morning and in the evening. It’s also good to get used to the new lads, who can integrate with the older lads.
“It’s a great working week with the management who can get across what they want and reiterate what we’ve been doing over the last couple of years.”
This is the fourth time that Lillis has spent a week at the training camp in Tenerife and he believes it lays the foundations for the season ahead.
“Quite a lot of the lads have been here quite a while now and we all know what’s needed this week and what’s expected of us – we know what the Gaffer wants.
“This 10 day block when we come back for pre-season – three days at home and seven away - is really hard-work but it’s fun also. Everybody is on board. It sets the foundations for the season ahead.”
Lillis, along with Johny Diba, start the day being put through a warm-up session by Steve Collis. They’re then integrated into the main outfield session, something Lillis reckons is beneficial.
“Goalkeepers need their specific work and we get that with Steve early in the morning before the full session starts.
“It’s great then integrating with the lads. It helps us get used to the lads again and get a feel for the new lads and how the play. They get a feel for us as well. The more time we spend with the lads can only benefit us.”
The full interview will be on Dale PlayerHD later tonight.