Scunthorpe United: Thompson to work with fitness specialist
SCUNTHORPE United have drafted in the services of a fitness specialist to try to help them get the best out of Garry Thompson.
The 30-year-old attacker, who missed nearly all of last season through injury, looks well on course for being ready for the start of the new campaign.
-
ON TRACK: Garry Thompson is looking ‘really fit’ as he bids to return for pre-season training, according to Scunthorpe United boss Alan Knill.
But the expert is being brought in to make sure the former Morecambe man stays on the right track.
After three injury-hit campaigns since his arrival at Glanford Park in the summer of 2008, new manager Alan Knill is leaving nothing to chance for a player he hopes will have a key role to play in League One for the Iron.
"Garry has been in most of the summer and is looking really fit," said Knill.
"He looks like he will be ready for the start of pre-season.
"Garry has probably been more frustrated than anyone else by the injury problems he has had.
"We've got to try to wrap him up in cotton wool a little bit to try to make sure he is ready for the start of the season.
"He is an experienced player, he knows his own body.
"But we have got someone coming in over the next week to have a look at him and help him maintain the level of fitness he needs."
Knill acknowledges that Thompson could be a big player for Scunthorpe next season in League One.
There is no questioning his ability – just his ability to stay fit.
Since joining United he has not managed to complete a full season of action.
Knill is now keeping his fingers firmly crossed that Thompson can put his injuries behind him.
"We have to monitor him and help him manage his fitness," said the Scunthorpe boss.
Defender Andy Hughes, who had a groin operation just after the end of last season, will be fit for the start of pre-season training towards the end of next week.
But skipper Cliff Byrne will be missing as he recovers from surgery to repair a trapped nerve in his back.
"We are looking at Cliff being back in training by about the start of the season, which means he is going to be a little way behind the rest," said Knill.
The Iron are confident of having at least one new face at Glanford Park for the start of pre-season training, but Knill has admitted his hopes of recruiting Rotherham's Nicky Law have stalled because of the player's wage demands.
United are now thought to have turned their attentions elsewhere as they look to bring in someone who can play on the left.
3 Comments
by bartonscorp
Tuesday, June 21 2011, 7:18PM
“It is a sad fact, but our club are, and have been operating as a little hobby for Wharton, and although we have had a good influx of money, be it from transfers fees, League handouts, TV revenue, sponcership fees, Wembley finals, good FA & League Cup draws and gate receipts, the club is still playing a a 1970 ground, whilst the likes of Chesterfield, Rotherham and many others have built new stadiums that put our effort to shame. Added to this, the season is soon with us, and we are waiting like beggers for players that cannot get fixed up with a club, and are then snapped up on free transfers, because no one else wants them.
We read this ET rubbish six nights a week, and same as been said, we have brought in one new player, who at 23 years of age, has been tried by about seven lower league teams already, without being offered a contract.
Even the Happy Clappers have gone missing, probably because they have run out of idea's on how to support Wharton and the many hangers on that the club have.
GOD HELP US!!!!!!!!!!!”
by HughZoff
Tuesday, June 21 2011, 5:28PM
“Unfortunately Wharton doesn't own the club he just dictates how it is run. He will be replaced soon but only by a stooge. Unfortunately most of this years budget will go on the crud we brought in over the last 12 months with no or very little prospect of bringing in the players we need to maintain League One status let alone bouncing straight back up. Put our folly in the Championship into your memory banks because it will be many a year before we get back there whilst Wharton and his successor are able to run this club 1970's style.”
by carllewis2010
Tuesday, June 21 2011, 5:09PM
“Wow what a great story,any chance of any news about signings? Time for Wharton to advertise the fact that the club needs new owners.With the slightest bit of ambition to take our club forward,ground and player wise,with Whartons attitude BLUE SQUARE LEAGUE here we come."UP THE IRON"!!!”