After six months out of action, Torquay United’s first team squad finally returned to action today, as preparations for the 2020/21 season got underway in earnest.
Manager Gary Johnson and his staff were on hand to welcome back all the Gulls players at Seale Hayne, with a number of new faces on show for the first time, as the club’s recent acquisitions were put through their paces alongside their new teammates.
Although social distancing measures dictated that this first day back was one like no other, the sight of United’s players getting their pre-season underway will serve as a huge boost to the club and its supporters, with the Gaffer himself delighted to be back on the training pitch after the extended break.
“The first training session went very well,” said Johnson.
“We had to obviously keep our wits about us with the protocol. It was a very different way of turning up, a very different way of grouping the players, and a very different way to social distance from the last time we were at the training ground. It all worked well, everyone understood the guidance and we all had to agree to the guidance, as all football clubs do.
“It went off very well, and in fact, I’m very pleased with their fitness. To be fair to them, they’ve been maintaining their fitness for the last 23 weeks, albeit on their own – It’s been the longest pre-season ever!
“I think they were very, very happy to at least get back to the small group of friends. They are only allowed to train in fives, but that’s only for the next five days, and then there will be more contact training. Outside of the contact training, we’ll still be social distancing and doing all the cleansing that we need to do, and the cleaning.
“I’m really glad to be back, and all-in-all, everyone had a smile on their face, and everybody is now geared up to be ready for the first game of the season.”
As usual, our superb club photographers Pinnacle Photo Agency were there to capture some of the action: