PRE-SEASON TRAINING BEGINS AT CHP
With 7 weeks to the start of the season, Mick Cooke, John Heffernan and Thomas Heffernan were at Century Homes Park last weekend putting the new squad through their paces. A Squad meeting was held firstly with the players addressed by Mick, John, Thomas and new Physio Kevin Prunty. Mick and John both confirmed the need for total commitment this season and that all players will be expected to perform to the best of their ability or they would be shown the door. Mick stated that it was important for Monaghan United to improve on last year’s performance and with the assembled squad, that would be possible. John was equally as upbeat and enthusiastic about the Mons potential for the season ahead.
Thomas then put the squad of 30 (including U21’s) through a tough regime on the Astro Parks. After a break for lunch and a rest period, the squad were taken to Rossmore Park for a challenging run before returning to the Astro Parks for some more work. On the Sunday the squad were thrown in at the deep end literally, with a gruelling work out in Monaghan Swimming Pool.
This Saturday Frank Reevey from Clones will be taking the lads on with some circuit training to help up their fitness levels before the pre-season friendlies begin. Frank is the owner of Frankie’s Gym in Clones (047 51515) and is one of the top fitness experts in the County. He will be responsible for the squad’s physical fitness.
This season is the first in awhile that all pre-season training has happened at Monaghan and the squad will continue to train at Century Homes Park throughout the season.
MONS GO WEST FOR PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES
Tuesday the 13th of February sees Monaghan United FC’s newly assembled squad getting their first chance to show what they got, when the take on the recently promoted Galway United in a pre-season friendly. This clash will take place in Athlone with a 7.45pm kick off.
Mons will then follow this up with a trip to play Sligo Rovers on Sunday 18th February in the Showgrounds. Sligo were the great success story of last season finishing in 5th in their first season in the Premier Division in a while.
Both these encounters will be good tests and indicators of the level of fitness and skill on the United team and will give Manager Mick Cooke the opportunity to work out some tactics for the season ahead.
MINI LEAGUES ARE BACK
After a long lay off due to inclement weather, the Monaghan Credit Union Mini Leagues resumed last Sunday. The Children involved were delighted to be back at the Astro Parks at Century Homes Park and it is hoped that their enthusiasm will continue right up to the end of the season!
