Aldershot Town players returned to training this week in Mediterranean temperatures — and were soon put through their paces on the scorched earth of the Army fields.

The high temperatures, especially on Tuesday, ensured that any players short of fitness after their summer holiday would be found out. But manager Gary Waddock was very satisfied with what he saw.

“I’m extremely pleased with how training has gone so far,” said Waddock, speaking on Wednesday afternoon.
“The players have all come back in good shape and have worked extremely hard.”

Waddock agreed that the conditions had been difficult, but they provided a good test for the players.

“I think everyone was relieved when the rain came on Wednesday but, despite the difficult conditions earlier in the week, we carried out tests on the players’ weight and fat levels and they are all in shape.”

All the club’s contracted players were present, including new boys Chris Blackburn, signed from Swindon, Dean Howell, who has arrived from Rushden & Diamonds, and striker Marvin Morgan, from Woking.

Waddock is very pleased with how the new players have made an easy transition into the Shots’ squad.

“They’ve all fitted in extremely well,” said the manager. “They know some of the lads already and they are certainly not shy and staying in the corner, or anything like that. They have already settled well.”

Also training were a couple of unfamiliar faces, as Waddock takes a look at ‘triallists’ in pre-season.

“I don’t know who they are, I picked them up at the bus stop,” joked the manager. “No, I’d rather not have their names revealed, we’re just having a look at a couple of players.” Waddock did confirm, however, that two right backs were training with the Shots. That is no surprise, given that the current squad has no specialist right back, since Rob Gier and Dean Smith were released.

Rumours persist that midfielder Scott Davies may return to the club on loan from Reading, after a successful spell at the club last season, bar a tendency to get himself sent-off. “I’m sure rumours will continue regarding Scott Davies but I’ve nothing to say,” was Waddock’s only comment on the matter.

The Shots have their first pre-season friendly away to Alton Town on Saturday but Waddock confirmed that the club would be sending an Aldershot XI, rather than an Aldershot 1st XI.

“None of the first team squad will be involved,” said Waddock. “It will be a team made up entirely on triallists.”
Not that the first-teamers will be having a rest. “They will be training Thursday, Friday and Saturday,” said Waddock. “They’ve had plenty of time to rest over the summer.”

So, rather than the Alton game, the Shots are regarding the match at the Recreation Ground against a Chelsea XI a week tomorrow (July 12) as the first proper pre-season match.

“That is what we are gearing the training towards at the moment,” said Waddock. “The players are doing well and everyone has come through the first few days fine and without niggles.”

The players were wearing new training tops, courtesy of the new kit deal with Cabrini (in conjunction with JD Sports) as the club gears up for life back in the Football League.

Bob Bowden, who negotiated the Cabrini deal, has confirmed that he has stepped down from his position as CEO of the club.
Bowden remains in the same position at Ezylet, the club’s sponsors, and he anticipates that he will remain close to the club — as will Ezylet.

“It’s been a privilege to hold the position of Chief Executive at Aldershot Town Football Club and I have fallen in love with the club over the last nine months,” said Bowden.

“But I need to spend more time on my Ezylet responsibilities. To be honest, both roles are full-time jobs and you simply can’t do two full-time jobs. It’s not possible.

“I have had to make a choice and I have ambitions to follow on the Ezylet side of things.”

Bowden has overseen a marked expansion in the club’s commercial enterprises while in charge, including the introduction of the hugely-popular Black Bull pub within the Recreation Ground.

Kick-off on Saturday at Alton’s Bass Sports Ground is at 3pm. Admission prices are £5 for adults, £2.50 for concessions and teenagers and £1 for children.

On Sunday, Aldershot are holding a charity car wash at the Recreation Ground, in aid of the Cancer Awareness Fund. Call 07933 412967 for more.