Boss Mick McCarthy has revealed that his squad has returned to Playford Road fitter than they were this time last year.

The squad were in at the end of last week to undergo bleep tests with fitness coach Andy Liddell hugely impressed with the results.

“He rang me and said he’d witnessed something he never thought he’d see because they were fitter than they were last year,” McCarthy said.

“Every one of them had improved on their times and fitness levels, which is remarkable. That was a great call to get, I was delighted.”

The Town boss says who makes it into his side when Fulham visit Portman Road on Saturday 9th August will depend on what happens in the weeks before that match: “The team will be picked on the best ones throughout pre-season, the fittest, strongest, on best form, not on what they did last season. That’s generally my speech for the first day.”

Photo: Action Images

TractorCam added 16:09 - Jun 30 That training gear looks top quality
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CavendishBlue added 16:13 - Jun 30 Another pie shop closes in town.....;(
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Jimmy86 added 16:31 - Jun 30 Seeing the skysports interview with mick he said everyone starts with a clean slate and I wonder if this counts for taylor too?? He said its up to the players to show him in pre season they are worthy of being in the team at the start of the season
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LiamCP123 added 16:42 - Jun 30 You could see taylor jogging with all the others in the pic, and this is very good news.
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TheSelkirk added 16:53 - Jun 30 I do hope that the clean slate applies to Taylor too, though I won't be holding my breath. Seeing the Tabbmeister there I wonder what version of him we will be getting next season?
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ITFCRealist added 17:04 - Jun 30 Is it too much to hope that Mick will see what the fans have been telling him about Taylor. We are not going to get Williams back. Given a chance Taylor will be as good as Williams. Guess I hope too much. Some ex Wolves defensive midfielder will be signed on a free to have that position.
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TimmyH added 17:09 - Jun 30 But I wonder how we compare to other clubs though...that is the question, don't they say you expend more energy if you don't have the ball? I remember Tunnicliffe remarking how fit our team was last season but it didn't equate to great football.
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jas0999 added 17:21 - Jun 30 Great news. Good to see. The slight problem is its a smaller squad than last season. Re Taylor, people seem to be constantly pointing he finger at Mick. I'm sure if Taylor's attitude improves and he gives 100% in training he will get his chance. Over to Taylor ...
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bring_back_Wickham added 17:35 - Jun 30 Selkirk - I'd have thought Tabb would be hidden behind somebody!
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Fat_Boy_Tim added 18:06 - Jun 30 It's certainly not bad news this, there's probably a bit more confidence and competition in the squad which usually spurs competitive people on.
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blueboy1981 added 21:55 - Jun 30 ....... they will need to be - to make up for the missing numbers !!! Not a slight problem Jason0999 - could so easily be a major one - but then we get the sticky plasters out and bring in the 'loans' - which we really, and justifiably, have become famous for.
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