Collins hopes to use training complex as 'selling point'

Published on Wednesday 19 December 2007 21:39

THE minor traffic accident which yesterday held up a group of players travelling in a bus across Edinburgh emphasised just why John Collins is relieved to have moved into a purpose-built football centre. However, additional damage has impacted on Hibs in less obvious ways in their years as a club without adequate training facilities.

"What do you expect?" quipped Collins. "A goalkeeper was at the wheel." But the joke at coach Gordon Marshall's expense hid a more serious issue, one which has been tackled by the club's investment in a new training centre in East Lothian.

Supporters might not be aware of their names, but Collins yesterday acknowledged that prospective signings have grown cold on a move to Hibs due to trial periods made less enjoyable by bus journeys in search of suitable training parks situated across Edinburgh. It wasn't the impression Hibs wanted to give, but had no option.

Without a training park of their own, the players often faced an uncomfortable ride through the traffic. The opening of the new training in East Lothian spells the end of this endurance test, and also offers an attraction for those the club wish to entice – be they established stars or budding youngsters. "This is a selling point without a doubt," he said. "If we are trying to sign youth players, the parents can come along here and see it is a splendid environment to bring their kids at night.

"That is also the case if I am trying to sign a first-team player. In the past I have taken them on trial to Granton or another complex where we're up to our knees in mud. Then we've had to drive back in a freezing cold mini bus.

"These are not ideal conditions for an athlete and it puts players off," he continued. "It's happened before, and I am sure it happened to managers before me. Now we can bring them from the airport to here and they won't fail to be impressed – no matter which club they have come from."

Indeed, Collins described the centre as far better than those he had known as a player at Monaco, Everton and Fulham. Even having a wall to bash a ball against is a bonus, he said, as he relished the prospect of players being encouraged to hone their skills in an environment where everything they need is on site.

"The longer the time they spend here the more we can change their habits and work on their minds," he said. "We don't just want to produce good footballers, we want to try and help create good, well-rounded human beings. The players got a boost right away," he continued. "They came in on Monday and had a spring in their step. Once we get settled into a routine there's no doubt they will spend more time working and less time travelling. That can only benefit them. To become a master of anything is all about repetition."

The 'endurance hills' sited at the far side of the complex offer a reminder that the training centre is essentially a place of work, but Collins is alert to the need for there to be comfort. No longer will the players risk unnecessary ailments by sitting in a bus in wet clothes, and those who wish to train longer can now do so without inconveniencing their team-mates. "In the past when the players finished training, maybe five or six would have liked to work longer but the bus would be leaving," said Collins. "Half want to go back and half want to stay. That has a negative impact, and then you know what it's like between November and April in Scotland. You are soaking wet, you are sweating and then for half an hour you are sitting in the bus. There's no surprise you get colds through the winter.

"The players will be much happier coming to work. Whether this will stop someone wanting to go and get 20,000 a week elsewhere, I don't know. But there's no doubt it has created a better work environment."