The Charlton first team squad have been putting in the essential hard miles during their stay in Portugal.
Pre-season is vital for a player’s fitness for the season ahead. Players who miss pre-season through injury have a real disadvantage as Lewis Page explained:
”Pre-season is massive for a player. This time last year, I had just had my operation, so I’m in a much better place now.
“It’s key to get that base fitness and I missed all of that last year. I had to catch up on my own, doing stuff, but as a group you can get each other through.”
Being away from home helps create the bond that a team will need during the season.
Though hard, the players are enjoying their time in Portugal. Jake Forster-Caskey said this:
”It’s been hard but it’s good being away with all the lads. Obviously, we’ve got Lyle (Taylor) here and it’s good to get to know him on a personal level.
“We’re a tight-knit group and the trip has been good so far.We’ve been doing a lot of cycling, a lot of running and quite a bit on the grass. I think we’re all a bit rusty still but it’s good to be back.
“Everyone has come back in good shape. I think the boys have done quite a lot over summer, so everyone looks good and sharp and is looking forward to the new season.”
Nothing beats playing though, and it is nearly time to get the ball out.
The squad fly back to Gatwick on Friday, then play Queens Park Rangers in their first warm-up game the next morning.
The game will be played at Rangers’ Harlington training ground, and there will be no public admittance, but fans will be able to watch the game live on Valley Pass. The game kicks-off at 11.00am.