Craig: My troops will be ready

Jul 6 2008

DUNDEE UNITED boss Craig Levein won't be taking his players to a Marine base for pre-season this year - but he insists the regime he has in store will be just as tough.

The Tannadice gaffer assumed the role of sergeant major last year when he put his men through their paces at HMS Condor in Arbroath.

And he reaped the benefits all season as they enjoyed their most successful campaign in years.

Although United missed out on Europe and were defeated in the CIS Cup Final the team made huge strides and the manager believes their summer preparation provided the foundations.

Levein will lead his players to the sedate surroundings of St Andrews this summer but there's no chance they'll be enjoying a seaside holiday.

He said: "We really pushed the players hard last season. I wanted to see how far I could get them to go.

"I was pleased with the results and their fitness levels were excellent throughout the season.

"It will be more of the same this year because it works.

"We won't be going to the army base but things will stay the same.

"We have a young squad so it's easier to get themto go a bit harder and to ask more questions of them.

"The boys who did it last year will know what to expect and the new ones will no doubt have heard so there are a few weeks of really hard work ahead for everyone."