Spain Camp success for County

With the World Cup in full swing, it was a trip to Spain for Malky Mackay’s Ross County as preparations continue for the return of the cinch Premiership later in the month.

The team would base themselves at Pinatar Sports Arena for a hard-working, week-long schedule in warm-weather training conditions. The conditions would prove to be ideal for County, with double sessions being taken in daily as part of a gruelling mid-season preparation plan.

Manager Malky Mackay said, “It was fantastic to get the boys away for the week, it was a great environment with top facilities that lends itself well to the plans we had for the squad.”

“I have to thank Fran and all of the staff at Pinatar Arena, who I know well from my time with the Scottish FA. The pitches were immaculate and when you have top facilities at your disposal it makes everything easier for the coaching staff and the players in a positive, well-equipped environment.”

The player departed on Sunday 27^th November, returning on Friday 2^nd December, in a week that would push the players as they aim to continue the good form shown prior to the World Cup break.

“It was clear to see when they came back to Dingwall the week before Spain, that after giving the players a bit of time off they were ready to get back at it.” Mackay added.

“Having the ability to take them away from Dingwall for a week gives them something else to think about, it keeps everything fresh and breaks up this long 5-week layoff for everybody involved.”

“I have to thank the Chairman, Roy MacGregor, for allowing us to get to Spain. We are extremely lucky to have a Chairman like Roy who understands the huge benefits a camp like this can have and the high-performance platform it can also provide.”

The on-field sessions were combined with recovery sessions in the pool and gym that ensured that players were being fully covered on all medical and sports science aspects that now play an important part in the modern game.

“Between the Pinatar Arena and our hotel- Thalasia Hotel, we couldn’t have asked for better. To have everything that a Scottish Premiership club needs right in front of you gives us a lot to be positive about and the players then all feel that every effort has been made to make sure that they have what they require to get the maximum output from them.” Malky said.

“Finally, our thanks have to go to David Veiling at IAST Sport for looking after us during the whole process. His ability to be at the end of a phone and help to co-ordinate everything really did make all involved feel at ease which takes a lot of the stress out of trips like these for the club staff.”

The squad are now back in training here in Dingwall with just two weeks remaining before the return of the cinch Premiership with a home match against St Johnstone to kick us off.