Mark Cooper has admitted that taking the players away for a training camp in Scotland will be key to his preparation both on and off the pitch this pre-season.
The Barrow boss will welcome his squad back into training later this week to put them through their paces before they embark on a week-long stay North of the border next Sunday.
The Bluebirds will stay at the sportscotland National Training Centre in Inverclyde and Cooper is thrilled that the Club has been able to secure a spot at the renowned facility.
“I like to take the squad away if I can, especially when you have a lot of new players coming into the group,” he told us.
“I went to this facility with Bristol City in 1988 under Joe Jordan and I remember it being a really good trip and one I enjoyed, so it will be a bit of a journey down Memory Lane for me.
“I know that things will have changed since then but it’s a high-class base for us to work from for the week. With COVID-19, it’s been difficult to find somewhere so we’re lucky to have this opportunity.
“It’s not only good for getting things done on the training pitch but it’s also about bonding and having a laugh, so there’ll be some good times and a bit of fun combined with the hard work.
“I also think it is important to nail down the tactical stuff on what we know will be a pristine playing surface, so going up there will give us the chance to do some beneficial work on that.”
The squad will spend the best part of a week at the training centre in Largs in North Ayrshire, before returning in time to play their second pre-season friendly at Spennymoor Town on Saturday 17th July (1pm kick-off).