Cobblers players step foot onto the PTS pitch for the first time in over 10 weeks. Pictures: Northampton Town FC.Cobblers players step foot onto the PTS pitch for the first time in over 10 weeks. Pictures: Northampton Town FC.
Cobblers players step foot onto the PTS pitch for the first time in over 10 weeks. Pictures: Northampton Town FC.

IN PICTURES: Cobblers make long-awaited return to training

Nearly three months after the season was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic, Cobblers players have finally returned to training in preparation of the Sky Bet League Two play-offs.

Players and staff have been arriving at PTS Academy Stadium in staggered intervals today, Monday, with training taking place in small, socially-distanced groups.

The only individual not due into the ground today is physiotherapist Ignacio Herrando, who tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday. The 33-year-old Spaniard is currently self-isolating at home and will be tested again this week - unless he develops symptoms before then.

The rest of the coaching staff and all players are due to be involved for the first time in almost three months.

"It's just a case of getting back out on the pitch and familiarising themselves with the football and the patterns of how we want to play," said manager Keith Curle on his side's return to training.

"We've got an identity of how we play and it's just about reinforcing those and honing the assets that we've got, finding the areas we think we can cause teams problems and re-identifying what we're about and how we can get positive results."

Midfielder Alan McCormack added: “It’s a relief to be able to go back because it’s been a long 10 or so weeks. In the summer we usually get the standard six, seven weeks off and you have a date in your head for when you might be back.

“You give your body two, three weeks to rest up and then on June 1 you crack on and start to get ready again. The problem during this situation was that it was such a long time not knowing when we would be back.

“But the excitement is building now and the light at the end of the tunnel is growing brighter now and that gives us all extra motivation and extra determination to go out and work even harder on the grass.”

Cobblers' prospective play-off opponents, Cheltenham Town, have also returned to training today.

Check out pictures from the morning group below...