SCUNTHORPE UNITED: Quartet urged to add power
THREE members of the Scunthorpe United squad are putting in some extra gym work during the summer in preparation for next season.
It's part of a toughening-up exercise by manager Alan Knill, who knows the physical demands that lie ahead in League One.
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BEEFING UP: Iron midfielder Michael Collins.
Midfielder Michael Collins, winger Mark Duffy and striker Bobby Grant have all been put through their paces in a gym in the Manchester area.
They were joined this week by United's new summer signing Jordan Robertson.
"We took them to get them tested for their power and strength," Knill told the Telegraph.
"The good thing from my point of view is that the players themselves wanted to go.
"I feel, to a certain extent, that they need to add more power to their game.
"Some of the results of the tests they did were surprising in that they are powerful, but they're not using their power in the right manner.
"They have each been given a programme of work to do to help them in that direction.
"From now until the start of pre-season training they will be going to the gym and following their programmes.
"It might be 40 or 50 minutes from where they live to get there, but it is well worth it."
While Collins, Duffy and Grant are looking to beef themselves up, more mobility is the emphasis for new signing Robertson.
"Jordan has the strength, but we are working on helping him improve his mobility," said the Iron manager.
"If he can do that, then he could be some player for us."
Knill is also looking for a big season from Collins.
The 25-year-old has struggled to find his best form since arriving from Huddersfield last summer.
"It should have been a good move for him to play in the Championship, but his career has stalled," he added.
"He is trying to get it going again.
"Michael is a good player with lots of energy and lots of attributes.
"He is a proven player at League One level, as are some of the others in this squad.
"But it's not League One we are wanting to prove ourselves in.
"The aim is to prove ourselves at Championship level again – and stay there a bit longer next time."
2 Comments
by Iron123
Saturday, June 11 2011, 4:51PM
“Collins was no good in L1 with Huddersfield - no amount of weight training will give him 'heart'...this is a guy who missed six weeks at Huddersfield Town with a broken finger!
This time next year, I wonder if it'll be all about Dagnall, Collins, Grant etc finally finding their feet at L2 level?”
by LincsBloke
Saturday, June 11 2011, 10:45AM
“I was going to be cynical and say they'd need more than gym work! But this is a good move by Knill - League 1 is tough and the right preparation is going to be crucial”