Bolo’s mojo ready from the get-go as pre-season set to return in front of fans

Posted on Thursday, June 10th, 2021

It’s been a long time coming but this Saturday sees the Spartan Army back at Ainslie Park to watch their side in pre-season action against Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale (2pm KO).

A suite of new signings and the nucleus of last season’s squad get set to dust off the playing kit for the first time since Boxing Day last year.  Back for the new campaign is talismanic defender Michael Bolochoweckyj, who signed from Montrose ahead of the 19/20 season.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s outing, Bolo said, “I must admit it’s been very strange being back to regular training after such a long time away from it.  I’m glad we were we able to do so at the earliest opportunity and its fair to say that some of the lads have come back at different levels in terms of their fitness!

“Some guys are really keen and have kept themselves fit over lockdown, whilst some of us who are a wee bit older maybe haven’t had as many opportunities to do as much during the close season.

“It’s been a unique situation to come back to that’s for sure however the Gaffer, as you’d expect, has had the pre-season schedule down a tee anyway to ensure we have had the best preparation possible ahead of the first game of the campaign next month.”

Six months have passed since the trip to Stranraer on Boxing Day and for many of the lads, being away from the Academy has undoubtedly brought its own challenges.

“People under-estimate the benefits of sport generally, it’s a great release for you. Especially so for guys like us who have other work commitments and are part-time footballers with families and kids etc.  It’s been great to keep in touch online with the lads during lockdown and having some craic too, but there’s definitely no substitute for being back training together again.

The 37 year old is looking forward to lacing the boots up once again and his enthusiasm is no different from any other start to a season:

“Everyone’s buzzing for the first match!  The first games of pre-season are always interesting as you try and find your touch and your body positionings and such like but largely it’ll be about getting those match day fitness levels up, get our shape etc.

“I think the squad has certainly strengthened for this year.  We’ve got a few new top class signings and both Dish and Herdy coming back is a great boost too.  These guys are well versed in what the Gaffer wants as we build up towards the first game of the season. 

“There’s definitely a shift in the mentality and ethos this year and we’re going out to press again for that title and cup success.  We’ve got the squad to do it and whilst there’s a wee bit more pressure on the boys to perform every week, we are up for the challenge and it will be great to do so in front of supporters once again.”

We play LTHV this Saturday 12th June with a 2pm KO (note the early KO), followed by Dunfermline Athletic which has been brought forward to Wednesday 23rd June with a 1945 KO

Tickets are now on sale for the LTHV game.  They cost £5 (adult) and £3 (concession).

You can buy your ticket in advance via the Fanbase app by choosing Spartans as a club and then following the instructions and buying via the store.  This is our preferred payment method to enable us to collect the contact details we require.  We will however accept payment by debit or credit card at the gate.

Season tickets are also now on sale

They cost £100 (Adult) and £50 (Concession – 16-18, over 65 and students) with U16’s free

They represent excellent value for money, they will give you access to 17 home league games, local cup competitions plus all pre-season fixtures although not the Scottish Cup.

Electronic season tickets can be purchased via the Fanbase app by choosing Spartans as a club and then following the instructions and buying via the Store.  We have used the app for our Women’s fixtures and the feedback is that it is simple and easy to use

Shareholders season tickets will be available for collection prior to the game this Saturday with the remainder posted out next week

You can also buy the tickets online via our club online shop https://ec-lions.myshopify.com/collections/season-tickets or by credit/debit card before any of our pre-season friendlies


Next Fixture

                     
Date: 09/11/24
Opponent: Forfar Athletic
Venue:Station Park
Competition: SPFL 2
Kick off: 3.00pm

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