Maidenhead United coaches work players hard in 'heavy' pre-season sessions

Maidenhead United's players were put through their paces after returning for pre-season training this week, and if they thought the club would kick things off with some light sessions, they were sadly mistaken.

Assistant boss Ryan Peters admitted many of United's players were in the hurt locker as they attempted to blow away the cobwebs of close season and get in shape for the new campaign, which kicks off at home to AFC Fylde on Saturday, August 5.

Before that they've got a series of away friendly matches, starting against Championship side Ipswich Town at Needham Market's ground on Friday evening (7.45pm kick-off).

As one of the only part-time sides competing in the National League, Peters admits Maidenhead's players have to work hard from the word go to ensure they can compete with full-time outfits over a gruelling season.

He said: “It’s always tough the first session. They’re expecting it to be light, but because we’re part time we’ve got to go in heavy.

“The boys looked fit and came back in good shape, but they got tired as the week progressed. They know it’s going to be a gruelling season and they’ve got to be able to withstand several games in a short space of time. Pre-season is tough, but the boys loved it.”

On Friday’s friendly with Ipswich, Peters added: “To get a game early on, against such a strong side is great. I would imagine they’ll go into that game quite strong.

“It’s going to give us a good grounding and an understanding of where they are. And for some of our younger boys, it’s a chance for them to see where they could get to in a few years’ time.”