Bristol City’s Head of Performance reveals training camp purpose

The latest Bristol sport headlines, from Daniel Wales.

Transcript

00:00Bristol City's Head of Performance, Andy Kavanagh, has revealed just why the Robins are currently on a pre-season training camp in Portugal.

00:09So basically I oversee the physical performance department, which includes sports science and strength and conditioning.

00:16So basically we look after the physical preparation and conditioning of the players, whether that's on the pitch or in the gym,

00:22which also includes nutrition and recovery as well.

00:25So there's quite a lot of different elements to it. But yeah, we've got a good team.

00:30We've got a really good team behind me. So I just oversee what they do, really.

00:34So this is the third day here in Portugal, second full day of training.

00:38What's the main aim of a warm weather training camp like this?

00:40It's just basically we've got the guys for the week, really.

00:43So it's really good that we're away in a different environment.

00:47We can put on double sessions, we can put on gym sessions pretty much throughout the week,

00:51where the lads like Sinks behind you there can get some decent work in and we can build a good foundation for the season.

00:59How tricky is it to manage that load in the heat as well and how important recovery is?

01:04Yeah, it's definitely a different factor that we obviously don't have too often back in Bristol.

01:08But the players, they're not used to the heat, so it essentially stresses them in a different way.

01:14And Bristol Rovers new goalkeeper Luke Southwood has said that he is excited to play for the club

01:20and experience playing in front of the crowd at the Memorial Stadium whilst representing the team.

01:25Yeah, I think I've picked up a lot of games in my career so far and I obviously want to keep building on that.

01:31And I think with what this club obviously wants to do this season, I think I'll be able to help, give experience.

01:37And yeah, I feel like I've seen a lot of things already and I'm motivated to keep going.

01:43And yeah, you've got experience on the international stage as well. What was that like?

01:46Yeah, it's been brilliant. I've been with obviously Northern Ireland over the years and yeah, it's a great experience.

01:51And obviously that's another motivation to come here and do well because obviously I want to kick on with that as well.

01:56Now you've mentioned coming up against Bristol Rovers a few times, especially at the men.

02:00What do you remember from those atmospheres?

02:02Yes, it's a tough place to play. That's what I remember. I spoke to Bits last year when I played there and yeah, the atmosphere is intense.

02:10It feels like it's a tough place to play and obviously I can't wait to be on the right side of that for once.