Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has hailed his players for adapting seamlessly to their new coronavirus training routine.
The Dons players are tested twice a week and have to train in socially distanced groups of eight as they prepare for the new season getting underway on August 1.
It promises to be a pre-season campaign unlike any other for both the coaching staff and players but McInnes is delighted with how quickly everyone has adapted.
He said: “The players have been fantastic and as a club everything has gone really smoothly.
“The staff planned it well, the medical staff have ensured everyone can function properly.
“The players have had to adapt but they have done it well.
“It’s strange that you don’t have the contact with them.
“They arrive in their cars, wait until they get tested and then wander out individually.
“We have been working in two groups at the minute, last week it was three groups, so you are doing the same sessions.
“It’s quite taxing but it’s enjoyable to be back.”
McInnes knows the daily routine is very different to what his players have been used to but considering he had doubted whether a return to training was even possible a month ago the Aberdeen manager is happy to make adjustments in the current climate.
He said: “A month ago we didn’t think this was going to be doable but the players, the staff and everyone else has made it go to plan.
“Seeing it work has made me more hopeful of being able to start on August 1 as scheduled.
“Obviously what’s happening in society will determine a lot of it, but if things keep going the right way it’s achievable.
“The next stage in the planning and build up is getting the ‘return to play’ protocols so we can start looking at friendly matches and things like that.
“But to be at this stage now compared to where we were just a month ago is incredible.
“Back then we had big concerns, nobody knew whether it would work or not.
“But we’ve shown what was put in place was achievable.”
As July draws closer the intensity of training will increase but McInnes is optimistic the August 1 return to competitive duty can be met.
He said: “We have the European draw dates, we have August 1 in our minds for the league, the fixtures are due out next week as well.
“So while it’s far from normal, there is a feeling of normality coming back.
“There are things to work towards so hopefully things will keep going in the direction we need them to.”
