WITH a fully fit squad and four games unbeaten, there is plenty to be optimistic about at Moss Rose after a disappointing start. And if one club in League Two can be confident about a strong finish to the season, it’s Macclesfield Town.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho was plastered all over the national newspapers when he took his players synchronised swimming but, when it comes to innovative training methods, one team has been making a splash for a while now.
For the last 18 months the Silkmen have introduced several cutting-edge techniques to lead the way in the Football League. From heart-rate belts to protein shakes, aqua aerobics to compression bodywear, the Cheshire club have taken every opportunity to stay ahead of the game when it comes to fitness.
"We’re the fittest team in the whole division," said physiotherapist Paul Lake, the man primarily responsible for the state-of-the-art procedures. "It’s just disappointing that it’s not reflected in the results and league position, but that’s nothing to do with the players’ fitness.
"We’ve missed some key players and made silly mistakes. But the players have never been fitter and we’ll be in a position to finish strongly come January time. The club is the most professional it has ever been."
Lake first came across many of the techniques on a course with Richard Othen, then part of Bolton Wanderers’ medical team. When Othen’s study commitments forced him to go freelance, Lake was quick to invite the strength and conditioning coach down to Macc. The club took on board what Othen, who has since been snapped up by Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez to work with the European Champions, said and have now built it on it further.
"We’ve not had a player out injured with a muscle strain since June 2004; we believe this is down to one of the techniques we’ve introduced," said Lake, 37. "Each player was given a foam roll at the start of the season and a programme of roles specific to them. They complete them everyday, before and after training.
"The players have heart-rate belts. We measured their maximum heart rate and continually monitor them, not just during matches and training, but also on their days off. This allows us to see whether players are working hard enough - or even doing too much."
One player, in particular, has benefited from the improved fitness regime is Jon Parkin. The Macc striker struggled to make his mark when he first joined the club but struck 26 times last term.
Lake, a former Manchester City player who was forced to retire from the game prematurely at 28 through injury, explained: "Jon is a different player from the one who arrived from York City. He has a much more physical presence and is better prepared for games, enabling him to concentrate on scoring goals."
The new concepts have been resisted by some of the more ‘traditional’ managers - but Brian Horton is not one of them. "The manager is always receptive to new ideas," said Lake. "The game is based on realising players’ capabilities, particularly in the lower leagues. If we can make Danny Whitaker stronger or Jon Parkin fitter than that will not only benefit the individual, but also the team - and the manager knows that. John Askey and Ian Brightwell have also been heavily involved."
The Silkmen physio has also been happy to share his ideas, especially with other local clubs, and is working closely with Tim Watts from Macclesfield Rugby Club and Macclesfield Ladies. He added: "I’ve also been speaking with Lee Martin [ex-Silkmen goalkeeper, now physio at Huddersfield]. But while a lot of Premiership clubs are doing these type of things, we’re still the best prepared team in League Two, and probably League One as well."
