Richard Wood talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Defender Richard Wood says he is close to being ready for the new campaign after returning from a full week in Poland.
The Millers returned from Opalenica after staying unbeaten during their two game tour, with pre-season training set to resume tomorrow at club training headquarters at Parkgate.
Wood explained he is progressing nicely, revealing he is looking to step up to getting 90 minutes under his belt as he looks to be ready for the big kick off on August 6th.
“I am feeling really good at the moment,” Wood told www.themillers.co.uk
“I am fit, pre-season is going well for me personally so I am really happy with the work so far. I am looking ahead now to keep building up my progress, and that will come with the games that we have.”
Wood admitted that the week in Poland was good for fitness and team morale, as the Millers beat Miedz Legnica 2-1 and drew 0-0 with Gornik Zabrze before returning yesterday evening.
“Poland has been a good workout which we have all got through with no problems, so it is now a case of just building our fitness up in time for the first game,” he continued.
“It has been good to be with the lads 24/7, we have mixed in well with the younger lads and the trialists so it has been a good experience.
“We have been living with each other effectively, eating together so it has been brilliant for team morale. It is good to get away, and be able concentrate on that.”
Attention now moves towards Saturday’s home fixture against Sunderland, with the Premier League side set to send a strong squad to AESSEAL New York Stadium. Wood continued:
“Sunderland this weekend will give us a good marker to see where we are. I expect that they will bring a strong squad down here, so it will be a good test of our fitness.
“I just need to get a full 90 minutes under my belt now. I haven’t managed to finish a game yet, but I feel good so I am hoping to manage that in the next couple of pre-season friendlies. If I manage that then I will be happy, there have been no issues so far I am looking forward to the season.”