Recharging their batteries

TWO days off from training may not be the obvious way to prepare for a no-holds-barred relegation scrap, but Athletic manager Lee Johnson believes it will do his players a world of good.

After working across a long Easter weekend, the first-team squad were allowed to put their feet up on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“You have to be a psychologist,” explained Johnson, whose team will see seven league fixtures in 22 days, starting with tomorrow’s visit of Carlisle.

“I gave the lads two days off as a mental release. There is a big period coming up and sometimes they need that bit of family time to chill out and prepare themselves.

“With all the pressures I decided it was the best thing to do. Whether it proves to be right remains to be seen. Mentally, we come in fresh for a big period of three and a half weeks.”