We had all heard of Sam’s fitness methods when he first arrived at Newcastle and it’s good to hear one of the players who was initially skeptical of Sam – Nobby Solano – now express his support for Allardyce.
Nobby Solano and Sam have both been talking about the fitness methods being used at Newcastle.
One of our best players over the last 8-9 years – Nobby Solano says he’s fitter now than he’s ever been in his career – and he is even looking forward to extending his career because of the new training methods he has seen from Sam and his staff.
Nobby Solano
Nobby Solano told the Journal this morning:
“It’s the hardest pre-season I’ve had at Newcastle, everything looks very professional,†“In terms of the tactics the new manager wants us to play it is very important we move forward.”
“There are no secrets anymore so Sam’s ideas might give us an advantage.â€
“The new system is not ready to play all the time and we don’t know if that’s what we’ll use at the start of the season.â€
The first Peruvian ever to play in the Premier league and one of Peru’s best ever players recognizes an opportunity to extend his career.
“We have our own personal masseur and we’re wearing heart monitors,†“But the football is the most important thing.“
“Wearing the heart monitors is bad news for us because they show just how hard you’ve been working.”
“The manager can see who’s been cheating. I feel fitter at this stage than at any time in my career.â€
“I’m only 32 and what Sam is doing could help me go on in the Premiership even longer but because the talent and quality is getting better all the time, I’m just looking to the season.â€
“I like being able to direct the play and having time to pick out passes. But playing in that position against the likes of Chelsea will be tougher.â€
That’s certainly good to hear from Nobby – who was a revelation at right back last season when he took over from the injured Stephen Carr. Nobby of course has lots of skill and he can also score goals – as witnessed against Carlisle on Saturday with a beautiful strike from just outside the penalty area. Here is another skillful player at the age where he can benefit from playing under Sam.
Sam also talked about his new methods at Newcastle:
“Our object is to make [the players] more aware of their bodies, more aware of what they need themselves to progress as footballers,”
“Our policy is to prevent injuries and make players fitter physically and mentally, and that means they are more available to be selected for the team and give more value for money for the supporters and the club itself.
“That has probably been one of the biggest problems over the last two years here and arguably has cost the last two managers their jobs.
The injury record has been one of the worst in the country.”
We cannot be the only fans that are looking forward to seeing Newcastle running the opposition into the ground because of both their superior fitness and their ability to give 100% every game.
If Sam can inject just that into the club – that alone will make him successful next season.
Three new defenders will also help.
Comments welcome.
4 comments so far
Nick
Jul 23, 2007 at 10:01 AM
Comment #1Brillant a shift the paradigm … no more slackers maybe Dyer was upset because he forgot about those monitors and was reminded when he was substituted 🙂
Craig Allen
Jul 23, 2007 at 10:12 AM
Comment #2Speaking of defenders … I see there’s a rumour on Wes Brown for 8 mil on fansfc – any truth in that? Doesn’t seem likely that they’d let him go …
Rich
Jul 23, 2007 at 12:15 PM
Comment #3hope we keep nobby on as a coach, we need to get a statue of Nobby & Shay when they retire along side jackie & Alan. all NUFC legends in their own right.
Obafan
Jul 23, 2007 at 12:59 PM
Comment #4Fantastic player and he will be good for us this season, surely if he says that he nof is fitter than all the other seasons.
Go Nobby!!!