Rangers feeling fighting fit again

RANGERS players are put through their paces to get into shape for the new season

SADDLEWORTH RANGERS are fighting fit for the new season after taking on a tough strength and conditioning fitness regime.

Danny Attersall, who is helping first-team coach Craig Farrimond with the squad's conditioning, decided to take the team to CrossFit in Diggle after taking up the programme himself 12 months ago.

Split into sessions for backs and forwards, the players have been focusing on exercises to help improve key areas of their game, such as strength, cardio, turning, running and power.

'HARDEST'

Attersall, who also coaches Rangers' second team, explained: "I started doing this 12 months ago, along with Ryan Moore, who has played for Rangers for 20 years.

"I really enjoy it, though it is the hardest pre-season training I have done in my 15 years at Rangers.

"I thought the Rangers' lads would get a lot out of it too, so I asked Danny Allen at CrossFit if I could bring them down for some sessions.

"The great thing is Danny can tailor programmes to the players, so it will benefit our game."

Exercises include Olympic lifting, weight work, kettlebells, running, gymnastics and techniques for lifting and stretching to help avoid injuries.

Attersall added: "At the end of each session we do 'work-out of the day' and compete to get our name on the board. The lads love that."

Danny Allen set up CrossFit Saddleworth strength and conditioning at Lock32 in Diggle 15 months ago and has quickly grown to around 60 male and female members of all ages.

Allen said: "I've enjoyed helping Rangers.

"I've really pushed them into the ground to get them in shape!"

Rangers begin their National Conference League, Division Two campaign on March 4 at Drighlington before welcoming Oulton Raiders for the first game at the new clubhouse on March 11.