New Blues fitness coach Nathan Winder says the squad have come through a demanding first couple of weeks of pre-season training really well. Winder believes pre-season training is vital to being prepared for the physical challenges of the season ahead and the way new boss Paul Hurst wants his team to play.
The squad have spent the week at the Pinatar Arena Football Center, San Pedro del Pinatar, near Murcia in Spain being worked hard by Hurst, his assistant Chris Doig and Winder.
"It’s been really difficult, it’s been tough, they’ve been sore and a bit stiff but we’ve put a lot of work into the lads and they’ve come through it really well,” Winder told iFollow Ipswich.
"They’ve got a little bit of downtime now, they’re going to get their rest in, because that’s just as important, from the work that they’ve been doing over the last two or three days. They’ve coped well and it’s good, looking forward to pushing on again now.”
Winder says pre-season is crucial as a squad prepares for a new campaign: "The most vital part of the season really in terms of preparation physically. It gives a really good, solid base to push us through for the rest of the season.
"It’s important that the lads get through as many of the sessions as they can and that builds the resilience for the rest of the season.”
He added: "How the gaffer [wants to play] and the philosophy that’s going to be put forward is that high press and the physical capabilities to do that are very demanding, especially when you’ve got to do it Saturday-Tuesday or Sunday-Wednesday whenever the games may fall. Throw in the cup games and it’s a big ask. It’s a challenge that we’re looking forward to.”
Barnsley-born Winder, who joined the Blues on the day Hurst was appointed as boss having left Leeds after a short spell with the Whites, played as a defender with Halifax Town, Chesterfield, Hucknall Town, Hinckley United, Alfreton Town and Ilkeston Town.
The 35-year-old was the head of sports science at Oakwell and Elland Road, having previously been the head of academy sports science and medicine with the Tykes after a spell as head of academy athletic development with the South Yorkshire club.
He has a Masters in Sports and Exercise Science from Sheffield Hallam University, having previously studied at Loughborough University.
Previous fitness coach Andy Liddell opted to leave the club this summer with his contract up, despite having been offered new terms by the Blues.