FC Universitatea Craiova 3-0 Town

Fleetwood Town put in a promising performance in their first pre-season friendly against FC Universitatea Craiova in Zell-am-See, Austria.

Fleetwood Town match report

FC Universitatea Craiova match report

Ash Fletcher fitness coach

 We're coming to the end of our training week in Obertraun and we are about to set off fairly soon for our first friendly of the season. The facilities available here is top class and it's not suprising why so many good football teams train here during pre-season. My main role during this week has been analysing players heart rates to determine their work intensity and what work intensities they can maintain during longer runs and practice games. The lads have been fantastic and have all put an incredible amount of effort into the training during a very tough first week back, the fact we are training at altitude makes it even harder as well. As a team with new players and staff such as myself, this week away has been perfect for everyone to get to know each other so when we get back over to England we will hit the ground running.

Alan Wright 3

It's been a good week for the boys. We've worked hard and really put the effort in. We're all tired but have all enjoyed the week in Obertraun. The place where we've stayed is a good setup. All the facilities are first class. The staff have been friendly and helpful and the whole experience has been a good one. I'd would definitely come back if the opportunity arose.

Paul Linwood 20

Really enjoying first week at the club apart from Gareth Seddon's banter. Looking forward to first game tonight, lads look really fit and up for it.

Shaun Beeley 2

Everything going well in Austria. The work has been hard be we all know it's for the good in the long run. Everyone looks in good shape and we are all preparing in the right way for the clubs biggest season so far. Team spirit is really strong. We are all getting along and having a good laugh. It's been a good experience for us all. The week has been particulalry pleasing for me on a personal level because I'm back in full-time football at a great club.

Steve Pope club psychotherapist

I work with the players on their mental preparation for games and dealing with  their confidence, anxiety  and any personal problems that may enter into their lives. Increasingly, professionals such as myself are utilised to work with soccer teams.

This week we have been preparing player profiles which includes all their strengths and weaknesses. We will also set goals on a monthly and season basis so as we can keep the player improving and monitor his progress towards those targets. Different techniques are used to enhance their performance such as visualisation and imagery which encourages them to reflect on their greatest moments in football not their worst  - it's all about "we are what we think".

This season  we are encouraging the players to gain a better understanding of  the mental aspects of preparation for sports. A very similar programme is planned for all our junior teams over coming months as well.

This week has been very interesting as with the arrival of several new faces. The dynamics of the squad has changed and I am pleased to report that we are psychologically a very strong unit. I expect that the players and staff  the manager has brought in will ensure success for Fleetwood Town and we will go from strength to strength.

This has been a great week for getting the team to bond and the facilities have been superb. We are rubbing shoulders with Apoel Nicosia and now Sheffield Wednesday.  I look forward to seeing you at forthcoming games . POPEY             

Steve Macauley first team coach

Saturday afternoon, after two very hard sessions in searing heat the lads are beginning to show signs of fatigue. The quality of work has been first class and so far has served it's purpose in being an excellent 'bonding ' week.

A special mention has to be given to the three young lads, Joe, Adam and Jack who have not only trained hard but also helped willingly with the balls, bibs and cones, a thankless task !

Everything has now been set up for our first game tomorrow and this gives good focus for all the lads who have worked hard to prepare.


Roll on the season, I for one, seeing the quality of our squad, am looking forward to our new adventure, well done the all the lads !