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IT’S nearly eight weeks since many of Dumbarton’s players kicked a ball in competitive action.
But their performances at pre-season training are making it look more like eight days. Maybe even less.
Gaffer Stephen Aitken has been delighted by the progress of his squad since they returned to business on Sunday.
A gruelling workout on Sunday with personal trainer Michelle Anderson was followed by further training on Monday and Tuesday evening.
More of the same is set to follow next week before the friendly match action starts away to Edinburgh City on Saturday, July 4.
However, the players are doing themselves a favour with all their hard graft, and the manager has been suitably impressed.
He told The Dumbarton Terrace: “The players were in on Monday and Tuesday and I’ve been delighted with how it’s going.
“We’ve worked really hard and the players’ attitude has been spot-on. We’re very happy with where we are at this stage.
“We’ll get them back in tonight and keep working away on fitness and getting to know each other.
“We need to get working as a group and progress in that respect has been very pleasing.”
Despite a large number of players already arriving at the club, the squad for the coming season still isn’t complete.
Stevie is still keen to add to his squad, with firepower upfront and strength in defensive areas still a priority.
However, transfer activity is currently on the back burner in order to give the currently-signed players a chance to build up their fitness.
The boss continued: “There will be another few players coming in – the squad hasn’t yet got the numbers I’m looking for, although the nucleus is there.
“We still have maybe another two or three players to add, but for now the focus is on getting the players working together.
“Those additions may be made before the season starts and we’ll keep an eye on players’ availability, but at the moment the priority is fitness and working as a team.
“We’ve got to look to strengthen the striking area. We have Garry Fleming, Gordon Smith and Kevin Cawley there but we know that Garry and Kevin can play other positions.
“I may also look to add another centre half/midfielder, but Grant Gallagher and Darren Barr can play various positions in that area.”
The first two competitive fixtures of the season will become known on the next two Mondays, with the Petrofac Training Cup first round draw scheduled for Monday, June 29.
That will be followed on Monday, July 6 by the League Cup first round draw – an event for which Sons will be seeded.
The predictions for those draws, due to the ex-player factor, are endless – Airdrie, Clyde, St Mirren. Or Stranraer.
But Stevie’s take is: “My only view is that I’d like a home tie if possible.
“We want to make our ground a hard place for teams to come and the more we get used to our surroundings, the better.
“The number of players coming into the club has been higher than it has been in previous years and more home games to get them used to the stadium would help.”
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