Cobblers 'not holding back' in 'frightening' training sessions

If you thought there would be some trepidation among Cobblers players ahead of their return in the current climate, Alan McCormack will quickly make you think otherwise.

Town will play their first match in three months against Cheltenham Town on Thursday, but there seems little apprehension. Instead, it's been full steam ahead.

"The way we've been in the last 10 days, it's just been frightening in terms of our attitude," said McCormack. "Not only have the fitness levels gone up tenfold since we've all come back compared to usual standards in pre-season - the lads came back flying - the attitude of everyone and the competitiveness in training has been very, very good.

"At the end of the day it's only a maximum of three games and with how fit players are and how good diets are these days, I think generally everybody is in good health and good shape.

"Now we'll see what it brings and hopefully we come out on top in the first game and then go to their place and come out on top again. "We've just got to give it everything we can."

Manager Keith Curle had a relatively settled team when the season was in full flight back in March but the enforced break has wiped the slate clean.

"There's massive competitiveness and the break we've had has given everyone a chance," added McCormack. "Players that maybe weren't playing week in, week out can come back and have that carrot to be mentally and physically fit and be strong and desperate to prove to the manager they should be in the team.

"That brings a new dimension to training. In the very first contact session we had, people weren't holding back when they went into challenges and it got physical very, very quickly.

"The lads have pushed each other and the players who start on Thursday night will be pushed massively by the lads that don't start and they have to be on their toes because if they don't put a performance in, there's another set of lads there ready and waiting to take their position in a heartbeat.

"It's brilliant for the squad, it's brilliant for the team and it's been brilliant all-round since we came back in."