Thorp Arch Re-opens For Training

Last updated : 14 June 2005 By Kevin Markey
The official start of pre-season is still a fortnight away, but a number of players are expected to report back from today with the longer-term injury victims expected to be among the first.

Stephen Crainey has already come back to continue his recovery from a groin problem.

Kevin Blackwell has staggered the return of his first team squad and is using the next fortnight for an opportunity to work on individual's fitness.

The full squad will be officially re-united on June 27 for a series of fitness tests, and Blackwell has already warned them that they will have to meet high standards.

The Leeds boss gave each player an individual training plan for the off-season and says he is aiming for exacting standards when his squad return.

Leeds will have just two weeks on the training ground before heading off to Norway for this summer's pre-season tour.

They start with a game against Haugesund FC on Wednesday July 13 before playing Stavanger three days later. United open up on English turf with a trip to Darlington on Wednesday July 20.