Adrian Whitbread says that it has been a productive week as Barnet prepare for their second pre-season friendly of the summer against Crystal Palace tomorrow afternoon at The Hive.
Speaking ahead of the game, the First Team Coach reflected on a tough week’s training as the Bees get ready to take on Premier League opposition:
“It’s been a very good week. The players have worked very, very hard. Especially the new players, who have taken on board the stuff that we have been doing which they players last season were already familiar with.
“The work ethic that all of the players and staff have put in this week has been fantastic.
“We know that the calibre of opponent tomorrow is a Premier League team so we are under no illusion that it is going to be a very tough game but I think that is good as it gives the opportunity for the players to get more minutes from a fitness aspect.
“We want to make sure that we are disciplined in our team shape and we want to work very hard and make it difficult for Crystal Palace tomorrow afternoon because that will happen throughout the season.”
Barnet kicked off their pre-season schedule with a 6-1 victory over Hungerford Town last weekend in which a different eleven played in each half, with Adrian predicting that certain players will get a little longer on the pitch as preparations step up a gear:
“We will probably extend the minutes for some of the players but we have also got another game on Tuesday night so now it is more about giving everybody the right amount of time on the field.
“We have to break it up and change it up as we can’t put everybody on the pitch at the same time so nobody should really look into who is starting and not starting. We know that competition is going to be strong this year with the players that we have got.
“That is going to be the progression towards August 8th – they are not going to be 100% fit now but the boys look in fantastic shape and even in training we are having to pull the reins back on them as they all want to do well.”
To buy your tickets for the big game and get behind the Bees as they prepare for life back in the Football League, simply head to our online ticket office by clicking here, or alternatively you can order over the phone by calling 020 8381 3800 and selecting option 1. Tickets will be available on the day from The Hive Shop as well as the mobile ticket office from 13:00, although it is recommended that you buy in advance since no cash will be accepted on any home turnstiles.
