Delighted Curle says Cobblers players have returned 'in very good shape'

Cobblers boss Keith Curle was impressed by the physical fitness of his players when he put them through their paces during their first day back in training on Monday.

Almost three months on from their last match, Town's squad was back at the PTS earlier today where they trained in groups of five.

Curle will gradually build things up over the coming weeks in preparation for the play-offs, which are due to take place at the end of the month.

But despite being left to their own devices for over 10 weeks, it seems the players returned in good condition.

"The players have been wanting to get back and they've returned in very good shape," said Curle. "The attention to detail has been excellent.

"There was a little bit of banter at the beginning but when it's time for training they showed good focus and good concentration.

"It feels a bit like pre-season - even Macca said he felt a bit nervous! But they know they've only got a short amount of time and they've got to get match sharp.

"Normally you say the season is a marathon, not a sprint, but we're now preparing for a sprint so we need everybody to be ready and when the whistle goes we've got to be at it.

"I think we'll be ready and I've been very impressed with the physical fitness of the players and also the attitude when they came in. Automatically they switched on and it's about doing the simple things well.

"It's a challenge and we embrace it and we won't veer away from what we're good at."