Hibernian FC Albion Place, Edinburgh Midlothian Scotland
Hibernian FC
Published: 13th June 2010
John Hughes won't put up with any slackers
HIBS boss John Hughes today warned his Easter Road stars he won't cut them any slack if they aren't in tip-top condition when they report back for pre-season training.
Each player was sent away with a strict programme covering training, nutrition and diet when they left on holiday after helping Hibs clinch a place in next season's Europa League.
But with Hibs' first match in that competition taking place on 29 July, Hughes is determined they "hit the ground running" when they return for the first day of pre-season training at the beginning of next month.
A punishing schedule of friendly matches has been drawn up, starting with a bounce match against Dundee followed by public outings away to Dunfermline and Queen of the South before Hughes takes his squad on a ten-day trip to Holland where they will play four games, three against Eredivisie opposition.
Hibs, however will return to the Capital just five days before tasting European action with a journey to face Carlisle three days later as Hughes' juggles preparations for the new SPL season with attempting to reach the lucrative group stages of the Europa League.
In addition to following the programmes issued, many of Hughes' players have been joining fitness coach Roddy Pitt for work-outs at Meadowbank, which has delighted the manager. He said: "You don't want to burn them out, they need a good rest to make sure they have plenty in the tank but we have to hit the ground running.
"The hard work starts on 1 July.
Anyone who hasn't been following the programme they were given will soon find themselves left behind in training.
"And anyone who misses a day will have to catch up. We've set standards which we want to improve upon
But with Hibs' first match in that competition taking place on 29 July, Hughes is determined they "hit the ground running" when they return for the first day of pre-season training at the beginning of next month.
A punishing schedule of friendly matches has been drawn up, starting with a bounce match against Dundee followed by public outings away to Dunfermline and Queen of the South before Hughes takes his squad on a ten-day trip to Holland where they will play four games, three against Eredivisie opposition.
Hibs, however will return to the Capital just five days before tasting European action with a journey to face Carlisle three days later as Hughes' juggles preparations for the new SPL season with attempting to reach the lucrative group stages of the Europa League.
In addition to following the programmes issued, many of Hughes' players have been joining fitness coach Roddy Pitt for work-outs at Meadowbank, which has delighted the manager. He said: "You don't want to burn them out, they need a good rest to make sure they have plenty in the tank but we have to hit the ground running.
"The hard work starts on 1 July.
Anyone who hasn't been following the programme they were given will soon find themselves left behind in training.
"And anyone who misses a day will have to catch up. We've set standards which we want to improve upon
