Clarets back in training

Last updated : 01 July 2004 By Tony Scholes

Steve Cotterill - a good first day
It started in bright sunshine but that soon gave way as the cooler weather appeared with a couple of heavy downpours that left those watching looking for the non-existent shelter.

It was a varied work out for the first team squad with plenty of ball work along with exercises although they weren’t spared the first day run and they disappeared from view for around 40 minutes, led by new coaches Dave Kevan and Mark Yates.

The day had started for the players at Turf Moor rather than at the training ground where some of them met the new manager for the first time but it was soon down towards Padiham and some real work.

Steve Cotterill took time out to speak to the press, thus avoiding the run, and as the rain poured down said it had been a very good first day apart from the weather which was something he would have to get used to.

He had decided to observe for the first day of training and it was the voice of Dave Kevan that could be most heard as they got down to some hard work.

The manager admitted that he was impressed with the players with none of them coming back below the required fitness and weight levels. He did though, jokingly, have a word for Mo Camara when he was beaten in an an exercise by coach Yates.

Mark Yates with Robbie Blake, Matt O'Neill and Brian Jensen at the end of the run
There is still just the one known signing, John McGreal from Ipswich, but Cotterill repeated that he had done a deal for another player but that he was still not in a position to name him.

He also said that he was still talking to another two potential signings.

And he added that he would be looking at long term loans if the budget would allow it.

Then it was back to observing as the players, clearly enjoying day one, went on to more work with the ball with the opening friendly against Accrington Stanley at the Interlink Stadium just nine days away.