In his regular Friday update with the website, Jim McIntyre reports "the training is going very well" :-

"We have obviously had a couple of wee minor strains here and there, but that is par for the course. Willie Gibson has missed a few days with a small problem with his knee but he had a scan on it and that confirmed that it is fine. Alex Burke missed a few days because of a calf strain but he is fine now - he trained today with no problem."

Good news for the Manager is that Steven McDougall is coming along well following his toe operation in close season:-

"Everything was fine and its better than expected. I am really pleased with the boys application and their fitness levels are really good."

The squad were dreading Wednesday but Macca was happy to report that everyone came through the run - possibly the hardest of pre season. It is a run that has got times for each distance:-

"It leaves you gasping but they made the same times as last year. You know that you are not going to get great improvement in times because it is such a demanding run. I wasn't looking for that; what I was asking for was to complete it within set times. They all gave maximum effort and that's all you can ask.

"But that is only one day - only one morning session. In every session they have given their all; they are a great bunch to work with."

The players are now happier that they have got a ball involved in training now. Training continues on Saturday but Sunday will be a day of rest followed by double sessions again next week.

The opening pre season friendly will be at East End Park next Saturday - 10th July. Hibs will provide the opposition in a 3.00pm kick off. Admission prices: Adults £10, Concessions £5 [Concessions: Seniors 60+ and Juveniles Under 18 , Students with valid Matriculation Card , Unemployed with Job Seekers Allowance Book - to be shown at turnstile, Wheelchairs (Wheelchair Helpers are Free) ]
Areas Open:
Home - Main Stand, West Wing
Away - East Stand, North East Stand

SEASON TICKETS ARE NOT VALID FOR THIS FIXTURE