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The build-up to the 2023-24 campaign began in earnest this morning as the players returned for day one of pre-season training.

It was a first chance for the six new signings to get to know their team-mates, and with a number of trialists also in attendance, there was a large group put through their paces by fitness coach, Tam Ritchie, the manager and coaching staff.

Of last season’s walking wounded, Blair Yule continued his rehabilitation from a knee injury and will be out until August, but Fraser Fyvie – who missed the last four months – took part in the session, and declared himself fit and ready to go:

“It wasn’t in terms of my body shutting down back in January, it was a bad two-footed tackle, and I needed an operation, but that went well, I’m feeling good, I’ve done all my rehab, and now I‘m just looking forward to the season ahead.”

Fraser lasted longest in the gruelling yo-yo test, a measure of his natural fitness, and something he takes pride in:

“The young boys are getting closer, but I’m still there, I keep myself in really good nick, and regardless of my injuries I always seem to bounce back. That was a good test today.”

With a host of players having left, and new ones arriving at Balmoral, he says this morning was important in developing the bond that will be needed in the coming season:

“It’s always good to get back in and see the boys, plenty new faces, which is great, and it was nice to meet the new players and to start to get to know them.

“With the club going full-time, there are big changes, and it’s so important to integrate the new boys, get some camaraderie going, and to make them feel welcome. I think we’ve done that today; the lads were all in good form, there were plenty smiles out there, and that was a really good first day.”

Manager Paul Hartley was delighted with the shift put in by the players on what was a blisteringly hot morning at Balmoral Stadium:

“It was an excellent first day, the boys have come back in good condition, really pleased with what I saw out there. Now, it’s just about getting the sessions in and getting stronger and stronger.

“The players have had a bit of a break, but there’s not as much time off these days. They’ve had a pre-season programme over the past few weeks and that’s meant they were more ready for today.”

“It was good to see the new players integrating with the group, they fitted in right away, and there was a lot of encouragement from all the lads. The first day can be a bit nervy for the new boys, but they were given a good welcome into the group.

As for the trialists on show, Paul will continue to monitor their progress:

“I’ll look at them over the week in training and in the games against Dunfermline on Wednesday and Formartine next Saturday, and it’ll be up to them; we’ve given them the opportunity to try to make an impression.”

The biggest thing for the manager this season is the move towards full-time football, and he believes that is sure to pay dividends:

“It felt like a proper football club today, everyone coming in together, having the time to work as a group. We’ve had lunch together, there’s been the chance for them all to get to know each other, and that’s something we’ll be able to build on every day in the weeks and months ahead.

“You need a good, strong spirit, and for me that comes from the training ground. Being full-time will make that so much easier.

“What I saw today was really pleasing and we’ll all keep working hard to make sure we’re ready for the big kick-off. There’s five weeks until the first league game, and we’ll be ready for it.”

Fans are reminded that the first pre-season game goes ahead on Wednesday evening, June 28^th, with a 7.30pm start. Tickets can be purchased at the Cove Rangers FC website.

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