Blues fighting fit after regime change (From This Is Local London)

Blues fighting fit after regime change

11:57am Thursday 7th March 2013 in Latest Sport By Andy Carswell

Blues fighting fit after regime change

BLUES boss Gareth Ainsworth said his players are now feeling the benefits of a new fitness regime he's installed.

He said having athletic ability is more important than being able to pass the ball and that's what he's been working on ever since he took the manager's job at Adams Park.

Ainsworth said the long-term strategy is now paying dividends, with his players fitter, stronger and less prone to injury than they were before.

He said: "We weren't unfit before but I think they are fitter now, without a doubt.

"We put these things in place as soon as I took over. You won't see overnight fitness, you don't see overnight speed and strength and the injury prevention takes two to three months at least.

"We are reaping the rewards now and seeing everything coming together. The big thing now is not letting it rest. We can't now say we've done it. I want them to get fitter and fitter.

"They are not new pioneering techniques, it's the normal stuff I used to do. It's things I've learned over the years.

"I'm not taking any credit, I've probably stolen a few sessions off people, but it seems to work. We are looking fitter and stronger and really sharp - in the modern game you have to be all these things."

He added: "Sometimes fitness and strength gets overlooked in the modern game. I was lucky enough to play in the Premier League and every player there is an athlete first and a footballer second.

"You have to be an athlete now. You have to be quick, you have to be powerful, you have to have stamina - it's a big part of football.

"There's sub-12 second 100 metre runners, Olympic marathon runners - they have everything and they are so strong."