And so it begins.....Brig return for pre-season 2019/20

“I was very pleased with how the boys applied themselves in very warm conditions, the intensity and work rate they showed was a credit to the hard work they’ve been doing away from the club. ” Joey Collins, BBFC Manager

On the hottest weekend of the year so far the gaffer Joey Collins and assistant Matthew Lawlor assembled the Brig squad for their first training session ahead of the 19/20 season.

With just one week until Brig take on Preston North End in the traditional pre-season opener, it was straight down to business for the lads.

Joey and Matthew started the session by welcoming players old and new and outlining their expectations of the players for the coming season.

Joey Collins and Matthew Lawlor kick off proceedings.

With over 30 years experience as an Army FA player and coach, the gaffer brings a wealth of experience to the training ground and along with Matt Lawlor has designed a pre-season programme to get the players in the best shape possible for the upcoming season in the NPL Premier Division.

During the two hour session the lads were put through their paces by the management team, assisted by the coaching staff of Neil Crowe, Stu Barton and Mac Taylor. The session was a mix of fitness training along with drills and short games, designed to maximise the short time before the season starts.

The mix of different activities was well received by the players and made for a great atmosphere on the field.

Stu Barton working with the keepers.

Speaking after the session Joey Collins said:

"It was great to be back on the grass with all the staff and players, both new and old. I was very pleased with how the boys applied themselves in very warm conditions, the intensity and work rate they showed was a credit to the hard work they’ve been doing away from the club.

Matt and I spoke beforehand about what our expectations were for the upcoming season and they really took that onboard.

A great benchmark has been set for the rest of pre-season and that will allow us to ramp up the sessions to drive us into the league campaign."

Matt Dudley and new signing Adam Sumner in action.

Collins also thanked Cadley FC whose facilities Brig are now using.

"We {Bamber Bridge FC] are very grateful to have the support of Dave Burrows and Cadley FC who have provided us with training facilities. The facilities at their Sherwood pitches for this morning's session were perfect".

A full gallery of photos from the session are available on the BBFC Flickr page - view them HERE

Brig's pre-season opener against Preston North End kicks off at 3pm on Saturday (6 July). Admission is £10 for adults, £5 concessions and under 16s are free when accompanied by and adult.

Updated 17:40 - 29 Aug 2019 by Ruth Hornby