We’re in this together

Reporter: MATTHEW CHAMBERS
Date published: 24 July 2012


Team spirit vital – Robbie
CREATING a tight bond between players old and new will aid Athletic's progress in the coming season, says striker Robbie Simpson.

Simpson was part of the 20-man group who spent six days training in Portugal.

The 27 year old believes that experience was highly beneficial.

It helped the quieter members of the new intake to adjust to new teammates, guaranteed an excellent pitch and the draining heat gave the team some idea of the gruelling season to come.

"I think we are close as a unit," said Simpson. “Just spending so much time together helps to build up a spirit of togetherness — that will be one of our main attributes this coming season.

“The heat we were under made the lads mentally stronger — there was no option but to dig in and get through it. It was tough,

"The training prepares us for the way the manager wants us to perform.”

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