Training season now on track

Jun 5 2009 by Andy Galloway, Lennox Herald (main ed)

JIM Chapman and his Dumbarton squad arrived back from a relaxing break in Spain on Friday – but are now gearing up for a tough pre-season.

The players enjoyed a sunshine break in Palma last week as a reward for winning the third division, but the gaffer is aiming to get his squad in peak condition ahead of the season kicking-off in August.

He said: “We have now drawn a line under season 2008-09 and now focus on next season. We have meetings with players this week, but everything is at an early stage.

“Unlike last summer, we have some time to get the players we want. We have a nucleus of the team in place; we now need to make sure it is the right character of player that comes in.

“We will now be sending off fitness programmes to the players ahead of pre-season, with training now only two weeks away.”

Ross Clark and Ryan McStay have now signed deals for next season, leaving only Pat Boyle to commit his future.

Jim said: “We have still to speak to Pat, but I am quietly confident he will re-sign. We will just continue to re-build ahead of next season.”

The new season is only seven weeks away, with Sons now knowing they will kick off with an Alba Challenge Cup tie at home to Morton on Saturday, July 25.

Jim added: “The cup draw will probably end any chance of a friendly with Morton. The two clubs have a good relationship and may have repeated the game they had last summer.

“Now it will be the real thing, but they are a good quality side and no doubt the fans will turn out in their droves.”