Gradi tries new training idea

[Adalon]

Dario Gradi is hoping the Alex will feel the benefit of the clubs early start to pre-season training, when the new season kicks off in August.

Unlike most clubs up and down the country, the players at Crewe Alexandra only had one week off at the end of the season before returning to training with each player having their own individual training plan tailored to their individual needs.

Although players are allowed to take holidays during the time between the end of the season and July, every member of the professional playing staff has been to Reaseheath to complete their sessions and Dario is delighted with their effort.

"Everybody has been in to training and everybody is in a good state of fitness." Dario said

"In the old days players used to come back after a long break a stone over weight. Then they had to do loads of running when they came back to lose that weight and that is when people get injured.

"Things have moved on a bit now and so we have the players in to work on the weights and do some running to buil their strength and stamina."

Dario also picked out several players for special praise after they put in the extra work during each session.

"Dean Ashton has worked extremely hard and is looking good. He is at the front of the pack during the running sessions.

"James Robinson is also doing well. He has been in for every session and he is certainly declaring his intentions for next season by working really hard."