Buckie Thistle boss Graeme Stewart says his squad is filled with fitness fanatics and he expects them to return from lockdown in peak condition
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Highland League football has been off the grid since January 10, but Buckie Thistle will be ready if it resumes in March.
Jags manager Graeme Stewart says his squad is packed with fitness fanatics who will revel in having to carry out individual programmes while the country is in lockdown.
A national update on March 1 following talks between the Scottish Government and Scottish Football Association will determine whether or not the lower league football season can return to the pitch next month.
In the meantime, Stewart has faith in his squad to stay sharp and be ready for the day they can come back to the training field.
Read more: Buckie star runs full marathon in lockdown
"The boys are all professional so they’re putting in the effort and I’m sure when we come back they are going to be just as fit," he said.
"They won’t be as match fit but they will still be as fit as they were when we went off.
"We’ve got a lot of fit guys in the squad. There’s boys who like to run about in training kicking folk, that was a bit like me when I played.
"But the guys who are ultra-professional and fit off the park, there's so many of them.
"Scott Adams is up there, Kev Fraser, Andrew MacAskill and Craig Cowie, they are all really fit lads and they put in a great effort. But that is shaming some of the lads I’ve missed out.
"Sam Urquhart is an animal, he’ll just keep training and keep training."
"It can be hard to get motivated without training," Stewart added.
"I like to join in on the training so when it’s not been happening, I’ve not been getting much exercise.
"Running is boring and I see that. Boys like to train twice a week and play a game so asking them to pound the streets or go on a bike, some boys just hate it. Other boys love getting their fitness up.
Stewart admits it could be a tight squeeze to get the campaign finished, but believes if there's a way to do it then clubs will want to go for it.
"We might only have two months to finish the season but if we can do it, fair enough. We will just see what happens."
