Balance is key for Brehaut as he plans for new Leek season

JOSH Brehaut has explained his thinking behind just six preseason friendlies for Leek Town this summer rather than overloading the schedule.

- By Clive Youlton

Some clubs opt for up to 10 or more games which can result in burnout before the season has even started.

For Blues' boss Brehaut, it's all about making sure there are the right number of training sessions to prepare the players properly.

With his knowledge of working in the professional game at Stoke City and Port Vale, Brehaut is well aware of what is required in the non-league game.

"Six friendlies is right for us," he said.

"We've got 11 training sessions overall as it is. Which isn't loads, to embed your tactical principles, ensure that cohesion in the squad is strong.

"Training is where you get your opportunity to build those ideas. So in reality, if you have 10 games, you reduce the number of training sessions you can have.

"If you don’t get the balance right, of training loads and games, there is a high probability that at some point, not necessarily immediately, you are going to pick up soft tissue injuries because their bodies aren’t conditioned to cope with the demands.

"Ultimately a game is random whereas a training environment is controlled to a degree.