Saints take the test

Southampton squad members will be back in training on Monday to undergo fitness tests to prove that they are still in shape.

Although the players are not scheduled to play a competitive match until June 22nd, Head Coach Mark Wotte feels that this process is essential preparation for the tough season that awaits them.

Wotte told the official website: ‘On Monday it’s not the start of pre-season, but it’s more like a test day so that the boys can show their fitness after five weeks off.

‘I will be there to oversee the session and hopefully update the boys on the situation with the club too, although nothing is finalised yet. I will be overseeing it, but our First Team Fitness Coach Nick Harvey will be in charge of the physical side of the programme.’

Every squad member was given a fitness programme over the summer and Monday’s gruelling tests will assess the players fitness levels.

‘We will check to see if the players are in the shape that we want them to be and if they are they can have the rest of the week off before returning for pre-season on the 22nd.’