Intense step-up on fitness regime paying dividends for Mansfield Town

The new fitness regime for Mansfield Town's players under Graham Coughlan has been tough – but Danny Rose believes the players are feeling fitter.
Graham Coughlan - tough new fitness regime implemented for Stags.Graham Coughlan - tough new fitness regime implemented for Stags.
Graham Coughlan - tough new fitness regime implemented for Stags.

New manager Coughlan has hugely stepped up training after finding his squad short on his required fitness standards when he took over from John Dempster before Christmas.

But striker Rose believes the gruelling new schedule is paying dividends.

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“It's been tough under the new manager. Tuesday and Thursday are the really tough days with a standard three sessions,” said Rose.

“But it's good. We are getting fitter and we are enjoying getting fit.

“I think it showed against Newport in the last five minutes when we dug in well and got the three points.

“We do two gym sessions – one before training and one after. Today one is a circuit and the other is a leg circuit.

“The running in training is also tough.

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“But I feel good and I think some of the other lads do too.”

He continued: “The distances we are covering proves we are getting up there.

“Maybe before we were not covering that much distance, but a few of the lads now are breaking that 10k barrier which is what the gaffer wanted us to do.

“I think we are starting to see the fruits of the work now. Conceding the late goals was evidence we were not fit enough.

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“We are hoping it will all come to fruition before the end of the season so we'll have something to build on for next season.”

Assistant boss Joe Dunne agreed on the step-up in training levels, saying: “We have to maintain fitness levels.

“But, with the way the pitches are at the moment with the weather, we have to get the balance right over how hard we work them. They are in the gym right now.

“The gaffer will probably have the boxing gloves and the pads on too. He loves all that. It's something he is passionate about.

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“That's what the gaffer is. He wants to be amongst it and lead from the front. That's the type of guy he is. That's the enthusiasm he brings

“Players are still getting used to that – him leading from the front in those sessions. It's a given

“It's what we're brought up on – attitude, commitment and work rate.”