We caught up with Ollie Rathbone earlier to get his thoughts on how he’s settling in at the club…
The 19-year-old met his new team mates for the first time a week ago and he believes the trip to Tenerife has helped with the bonding process.
Ollie told Dale PlayerHD: “I’d like to think I’ve settled in well. All the lads have really helped me settle in – that’s both the experienced lads and the younger lads.
“During the first few days of training I only spent the morning with them but now I’m spending 24 hours a day with them for six nights, so it helps me to bond with them much quicker.”
Ollie is rooming with fellow midfielder Matty Lund and he says that has also had a positive impact.
“You get the chance to connect, to speak more and get to know each other. I think that comes out on the pitch because you develop a good relationship. It definitely helps.”
And he offered his thoughts on the pre-season trip so far.
“It’s very demanding. The Gaffer sets really high standards and you have to work hard to live up to them. It’s obviously a lot harder in the heat but that will only help us further along in the season.”
The full interview is on Dale PlayerHD.