Pre-Season Has Evolved - Golbourne

Monday, July 4th 2016

Pre-season is a different beast compared to the last time Scott Golbourne endured one as a Bristol City player.

The Academy graduate returned to the club in January after a decade away following his transfer to Reading in 2006.

Ten years ago technology such as drones and GoPros for analysis and tracking was not even invented. Golbourne can only see the benefits of the new-fangled devices.

“Pre-season has evolved a bit,” he told Bristol City Player HD.

“There’s a lot more science that goes on now and training can be tailored to individuals.

“It’s still difficult. I wouldn’t say it was easy by any stretch of the imagination, and it’s probably a little bit more taxing, but it’s measured and I’m sure we’ll benefit from it.”

He added: “It’s tough, but you have to enjoy it.

"It’s a privilege to be able to do what we do. Getting through these few weeks of running is a small ask really in terms of what you get with the ten months of football.”

City were in the relegation zone when Golbourne rejoined, but an upsurge in form led to Lee Johnson’s side finishing in 18th place in the Sky Bet Championship table – 12 points clear of the bottom three.

Bristol-born Golbourne made 16 appearances for the club at the back end of the campaign and is confident of continuing their good form in the new season.

“We want to try and pick up where we left off,” he said.

“We want to try and build, which is the way the club is going with the stadium and we want to have a successful season.”

City’s pre-season campaign gets under way in the annual community match against Hengrove Athletic at Norton Lane on Sunday (2pm).

Over 850 tickets have been sold for the tie. Don’t miss out and purchase yours here.