What Hibs players can expect as ‘core group’ return to training for the first time since lockdown

Hibs players are preparing to return to a very different environment than the one they were accustomed to prior to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Jack Ross’s squad report back to their East Mains training base this morning for the first time since the mid-March shutdown as pre-season gets underway ahead of the proposed Scottish Premiership start date on August 1.

The 24-acre complex normally hosts both first team and youth academy but will be a lot quieter with only a ‘core group’ of players and staff set to return.

Each individual has been asked to turn up already wearing their kit, which they will also take home to wash, as the club takes the necessary steps to ensure a safe return.

Hand sanitising stations, questionnaires and temperature checks will be in place while the club must also ensure equipment such as corner flags, balls, cones and GPS trackers are cleaned after each session.

With clubs yet to receive the green light for full contact training players will initially need to be split into small groups while maintaining social distancing.

Comprehensive health and fitness checks are first on the agenda following the 14-week lay-off.

“All players will undergo a series of tests and assessments over the pre-season period, which are more extensive than before due to the prolonged absence from professional football since March 13 and the continued risk of Covid-19 transmission,” the club informed the Evening News.

“It is important to stress that all protocols are done under the provision that they comply with SPFL/SFA and Scottish Government guidelines and we work within the risk assessment produced for HTC.

"An overview of the week from an individual profiling stance includes: detailed doctor led medical assessment, orthopaedic and musculoskeletal assessment, body composition, baseline cognitive assessments, heart screening, physical profile i.e. 'fitness testing', well-being and sleep profiling.

“The players will begin an introduction to training which is designed to be progressive over a period of weeks. They have been keeping in shape by following voluntary home conditioning programmes.

“Players have spent a considerable time period without exposure to technical work with the ball, doing drills which are unopposed and don’t necessarily replicate the demands of every aspect of professional football.

“Once we get the green light for contact training from the Scottish Government via the SFA/SPFL we will be able to start these types of coaching sessions, which are vital for reducing injury risk in competitive match play.”

In a recent interview, Hibs’ lead sports scientist Colin Clancy also outlined the challenges faced.

"When they come back they'll be training in groups of four and there won't be any contact or further than that, not even any opposition," he told BBC Scotland. “No tackling, no pressing, nothing that is opposed in any way.

"It will be a good chance for them to work in a moderate fashion and be built up as the restrictions are eased. Bigger groups, more opposition, and finally contact and then some games. So that will probably happen over a period of six weeks.”

Once permitted, the club hopes to arrange closed door friendlies during July ahead of the planned start date for the new Premiership campaign on August 1.

The return to action comes against the backdrop of proposed wage cuts and redundancies at Easter Road, with the prospect of mothballing the youth academy on a temporary basis also reported to be among the considerations following chairman Ron Gordon's warning over the 'substantial and unsustainable strain' on club finances caused by the Covid-19 crisis.