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Ian Holloway revamps training regime to tackle Swindon Town injury crisis
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Swindon Town manager Ian Holloway has overhauled the club's training philosophy as he deals with an extensive list of player injuries ahead of the Rotherham United fixture.
Swindon Town manager Ian Holloway has implemented a significant shift in his training philosophy in an attempt to address the ongoing injury crisis at the club. With 11 senior players currently sidelined, and at least six of those likely to have been in the starting line-up, the pressure to find a sustainable solution is mounting.
The club has also taken steps to bolster its medical department, launching a recruitment drive for two new physiotherapists. This comes shortly after the departure of Aristotelis Pavlidis, who served as Lead First Team Physiotherapist for four months following his move from Portsmouth academy in June.
Addressing the tactical and physical changes at the training ground, Holloway explained that he is prioritising high-intensity, competitive sessions to build physical resilience.
While the manager's approach to physical conditioning is uncompromising, he maintains that the high-intensity sessions are essential for building resilience. Holloway stated: "We have made sure the training is so enjoyable that it is a joke. And we have also made it so hard that it is a joke, and we have given up on worrying about whether anyone gets injured. If they do, that is bad luck. We are just going to make it as hard as we possibly can."
Holloway noted that the players have responded positively to the increased competitive demand. He has also shifted the focus towards problem-solving exercises, requiring the squad to communicate and navigate challenging in-game situations during training sessions. This mental approach is being supported by a sports psychologist, Claire, to help build group cohesion.
The manager expressed confidence that these changes will yield results on the pitch, particularly in maintaining resilience during difficult spells in a match. He noted that the squad has avoided folding in recent fixtures, and he aims to build on this mental toughness as they prepare for the upcoming clash with Rotherham United.
Source: Swindon Advertiser - Lifestyle · View original