The Rangers squad returned to pre-season training yesterday and were immediately put through their faces in a couple of tough and gruelling fitness tests.
The new coaching staff of Tim Breacker, Gary Penrice and Gary Waddock were assisted by Tony Roberts and Rangers fitness coach Scott Rushton.
Ian Holloway and Bill Power helped to oversee the first day back with a watchful eye to see who if anyone had let their fitness slip over the summer.
Martin Rowlands and Marc Bircham were absent after being given an extra week to recover following their international excursions at the end of last season. There was one notable first team absentee.
Arthur Gnohere was missing and had not informed the boss of his whereabouts. It is a little worrying considering the R’s are short on centre backs at the moment.
Danny Shittu did train for half the session. He looked in good shape with a large strapping around his injured knee. Hopefully a return for the big man is just around the corner.
Lee Cook trained and met his new team-mates looking lively and keen to impress while the R’s also had an unnamed trialist within the squad training.
The Rangers management were on the whole very happy with the squads performance and there was a good buzz of excitement around the players.
Rangers’ first pre-season fixture is on July 14th against Nairn County in Scotland.