Manager on Friday

Pre season friendlies in Austria are arranged:- FK Mlad? Boleslav on 12th and Romania's Rapid Bucharest on 14th. July (venues yet to be confirmed)

Jim McIntyre knows from personal experience that what his players go through in pre season training is difficult but its what it takes to get players fit for the new season. This is the third pre season he has presided over and they have all been the same save for a few tweaks.

"There have been a few wee surprises in there but it is very much the same as before. They know pre season is a slog designed to get you fit and I don't know any footballer that enjoys running but is a necessity if you want to get your fitness levels up. Everybody has come through unscathed; that's the most important thing.

"If you went away for the summer and never did anything you are more likely to pick up a strain when you come back but players these days are professionals and need to be ready because it is hard hard work."

Saturday sees the first pre season friendly at Livingston and it will be welcomed by the players as it means the ball is out and that the demanding running part is almost over.  Macca continued:-

"Now it is all about short and sharp stuff and pretty much all with the ball now."

The Manager confirmed that his full squad will travel for the two pre season friendlies at Livingston and Brechin and that they will travel to Obertraun in Austria on 10th July. Fixtures have now been arranged there against Czech Premier League team FK Mlad? Boleslav on 12th (4.00pm kick off at a venue yet to be confirmed) and Romania's Rapid Bucharest on 14th July (7.30pm venue to be confirmed). These sides will provide significantly stiffer opponents for the Pars; two opponents who met in the group stages of the 2005-06 UEFA Cup.