Striker Freddie Sears says pre-season training has been different but enjoyable as the squad prepare for the 2020/21 campaign adhering to EFL safety guidelines during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The players returned to Playford Road last Wednesday for the first time since March to train in line with stage one protocols which dictate they must socially distance, work in small groups and are prohibited from using the dressing rooms, showers or canteen. At this point they’re not required to undergo Covid-19 testing but that will be implemented as they move to through the stages of the protocols.

"It’s been different," Sears told the club site. "I’ve never had anything like this in my career before where you train in groups of seven or eight.

"It’s been different but it’s what you’ve got to go by at the minute. We’ve been doing a lot of running and ballwork. It’s been enjoyable and it's been tough as well.

"It’s really good to be back. We’ve been off for a long time. It’s good to see all the boys and the staff."

On Friday it was confirmed that the 2020/21 season would start on Saturday 12th September, just over six months since the club’s last League One game. The ELF fixture lists are expected to be confirmed in mid-August once the Championship play-off final has been played.

"It’s been difficult for every player," Sears added. "The last game was in March. The dates kept going back and back and then obviously the season got cancelled. It’s disappointing but we’re looking forward to getting going and starting again next season.

"It’s still quite early. A lot of teams probably aren’t back yet. It’s been good to get back and get into the non-contact stuff. Hopefully we’ll have a few pre-season games soon and will be back to playing football and doing what we love doing."

Sears returned from his ruptured ACL in December last year and scored once before the 2019/20 season was curtailed.

Photos: TWTD/ITFC

Pencilpete added 10:51 - Jul 29 Striker ? when was the last time we actually used Freddie as a striker ? Big Mick turned him into a wing back, Hurst used him as a wide midfielder and Lambert .... i'm not even sure what he was trying to do !!! If we actually played Freddie as a striker every game this season i think he'd be good for 20 goals
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BeattiesBackPocket added 11:56 - Jul 29 Absolutely spot on Pencilpete when he first came in played through the centre with Murphy and had a good season and they worked well as a combo then Mick sticks him out wide after that and although he gives 💯 it's not his position he needs a run in the team through the middle for confidence and to find his scoring feet again. He's proven at this level for Col Utd and even proved it in tey championship.

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Lathers added 13:51 - Jul 29 I'd love to see Freddie played as a striker, but he needs to feed off a 2nd striker. Cash in on Jackson and buy a proven L1 or L2 target man who can play up top with Sears or Norwood.
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Sospiri added 14:25 - Jul 29 Will run on to any ball, but needs to play down the middle, and needs a target man next to him. And goes on wild spells of great, then poor form.
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Len_Brennan added 16:15 - Jul 29 As said above, Freddie was a great success when played as one half of striking partnership alongside a 'big man'; outside of that he has struggled with the position assigned, injury &, I would suggest, confidence. There is no doubt that Freddie Sears can be a prolific goalscorer at Division 1 level, when played regularly in his best position. He fitted in perfectly after joining, scored plenty of goals & helped Murphy keep going to his 27 goal season, in the Championship; he was an inspired signing to replace the injured McGoldrick. Trying to accommodate all 3 on McGoldrick's return caused difficulties though, similar to how McCarthy struggled to accommodate 3 centre halves in his team, with Chambers struggling at right back, but persisted with. Lambert needs to look at who he has, know how he's going to utilise them best, maximising their abilities, look to release the square pins & bring in the type of player who will complete a coherent squad. That means bringing in a centre forward, who Freddie can play off/with.

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TimmyH added 17:26 - Jul 29 I'm not sure I want to hear the word 'enjoyable' when it comes to training considering the predicament we find ourselves in...he does mention tough as well but as we all know training compares little to what happens on the field at 3pm on the Saturday.
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Linkboy13 added 17:32 - Jul 29 I'm afraid people have short memories Freddy went on a spell of over thirty games without scoring thats why he got moved to a different role in the team but we all luv Freddy dont we . But he might score goals in div one. Do we sell Jackson who has proved he can score goals in Div one with very little support or keep fans favourite Freddy who might.
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Len_Brennan added 17:48 - Jul 29 @linkboy : Jackson scored goals when played as a striker; not so much when he was played out wide. Freddie has not been our starting striker for quite some time; Jackson sort of fell into that position due to injuries last season &, to be fair to him, worked hard & got some goals. I don't think he is a prolific goalscorer though, even at Division 1 level. I would back a fit Freddie Sears to outscored him, by quite a few goals, in the role of striker, over the course a season giving the same opportunities. It's all about opinions of course.

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BeattiesBackPocket added 10:48 - Jul 30 Linkboy13 you really need to go to games he hasn't played 30 games through the middle he played those games out wide which is why he struggled? Other than when he came to us he hasn't played 30 games through the middle since
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