Sunderland returned to pre-season training this morning at the Academy of Light ahead of the 2019-20 League One season.
The Lads were put through their first session and will continue their work throughout the month culminating in four games against a wide-ranging level of opposition.
We caught up with three first team players to see what the feeling is in the camp….
Captain George Honeyman felt the Play-Off final defeat as much as anyone, but he is raring for the season to begin.
“I think as players when it gets nearer to the return date for training you just want to be back and on the grass. I have been really excited to getting back and seeing all the lads. I had a great summer; I am really refreshed and ready to go again this year.
“It will be an intense month but fortunately the lads have all come back in great shape. I am sure the gaffer will put us through our paces and we have some games to get ourselves ready for the opening day against Oxford.
“Coming in with the same manager for pre-season is a big help. We know how he works, and we know how he works so that will be a really important factor in our preparations for this season.”
Alim Ozturk had a difficult start to last season but eventually earned his place in the team towards the end of the campaign and he wants to build on that in pre-season.
“It was a tough season last season for me as I had to wait a long time for my chance. But when I got my chance, I took it. It would have been much better if we won the Play-Off final – but it wasn’t to be.
“I had a really good break and a nice holiday which means I am refreshed for the start of the season.
“It is time to go again! I can’t wait to get started properly.
“You have to enjoy the hard work of preseason. That is the first thing for us to do and I want to work hard, get as fit as possible and I will.”
Benji Kimpioka managed to break into the first team squad last season and featured regularly in the Checkatrade Trophy.
He trained with the first team squad today and is delighted to be back on the grass at the AOL.
“I am fresh and very happy to be back. I am doing what I love to do every day so I really could not be happier with being back at training this morning
“I love the process of football and coming back for training to get prepared for the new season.”
