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How overweight is a footballer going to get over the off season? And how much weight can he reasonably expect to lose in pre-season, where he's building lean, heavy muscle as fast as he's losing fat? I can't imagine this is going to do much other than **** off a few players.
That, or the Galway squad's been remarkably unprofessional during the winter.
You can't spell failure without FAI
Was Nick Leeson inspired by the picture of Michael Keane in the Star's official league supplement during the week
Pat's had the shortest profile of all clubs due to the lack of available space on the page![]()
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each player was paid during the 'off season' and given a training programme that they were told to do. as full time athletes this is what is expected. even during last season they were weighted weekly. Fergal Geraghty is now the fitness coach and from what I hear the guy is obsessive but not only does he talk the talk but he walks the walk. apparently there is no-one at the club fitter than Fergal who regularly runs marathons and won the Galway 10k last year!!
the argument about losing fat and replacing it with muscle holds no water (pardon the pun) as the players were weighted before the season ended and expected to return in relatively similar shape.
the risk of alienating players is a non-issue, if the players were part-time or semi-pro then maybe but not when they expect to make their livelihood from the game.
If they're already in the shape in which they finished last season, were they fat last year? Because they're not going to lose much weight in pre-season if they're already fit and undertaking further stamina training.
Also, pros get ****ed off with overbearing regimens and leave too.
You can't spell failure without FAI
not really as a players body size, shape and condition are directly related with his ability to carry out his duties ergo a player being overweight is not being unfairly treated but fined as he is less able to carry out his duties.
the whole arena of European law being brought into sport (a lá bosman .. etc)is a worry though as you point out. issues like equal opportunities, sexism ... etc are potential minefields which hopefully do not crop up as they have in most other employment arenas.
I'm not gay but do Galway have any fine players, let alone fat ones?
Life without Rovers, it makes no sense...it's a heartache...nothing but a fools game. S.R.F.C.
i didn't say they were in the 'same' shape on their return but expected to be in 'reletively similar shape' due to the amount of close season training required. the fines 'if true' are going off a players target weight. it would presumably be judged on an on-going basis and not just on the first day back training.
were the players fat last season? no, even big john lester had begun to shed a lot toward the end of the season.
actually players who have kept themselves ticking over during the close-season, and have maintained their target weight, will probably gain weight as muscle weighs more than any fat built up. however if players have been eating kebabs and on the brews during the close season then they will indeed need to lose the pounds.
Last edited by galwayhoop; 06/03/2008 at 1:42 PM.
fair point i suppose. however, presumably the amounts involved would not represent enough of a burden for a player to go down the legal route on it.
these are the reasons why i think that legal employment rights, within reason of course, should not apply as strictly to professional sport as other areas of employment. i mean if i drive a JCB then my weight will not effect my ability to work but if i'm a footballer it very well may. on the flip side of course if i am a medical sales rep and i do not keep myself turned out well then the likelihood is that my employer will show me the door.
"Billy Corgan, Smashing Pumpkins."
"Homer Simpson, smiling politely."
Funny derry players seemed a lot more ****ed off with the regimes of Fenlon and Robertson where this type of regime didnt exist, and really happy with the Kenny regime, where fitness is number one.
If a prefessional sportsman doesnt want to stay at a club because he would have to stay fit, then the club is better off without them, if the league is to progress these are the actions that need to take place at all clubs.
Are you one of these guys by any chance? http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=s0x237mo8Zg![]()
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