CHRIS LAKEY Norwich players have been told to pad up after new boss Peter Grant ordered no holding back in training sessions. “You have to train to your maximum, and that's why the players all wear shin pads in training now - that's one thing I have brought in because I want to make sure it's competitive every day,” said Grant.

CHRIS LAKEY

Norwich players have been told to pad up after new boss Peter Grant ordered no holding back in training sessions.

“You have to train to your maximum, and that's why the players all wear shin pads in training now - that's one thing I have brought in because I want to make sure it's competitive every day,” said Grant.

Grant says he has no complains over the fitness levels of the City squad - but says he has changed routines at the Colney training centre.

“I am not one for working three hours out on the training field,” said Grant. “I think it is so important that if you are going to play high tempo over short distances that's the way you have got to train. Warm-ups we have cut down a lit bit because I want to conserve energy.

“I spoke to the players and (sports scientist) Dave Carolan, who has been different class, but there are certain things I want to implement because if we are working short sharp every time that's the way I want everything to be, nice and bright and make sure we get 100pc commitment.

“It's no use players being on their knees not able to do what we want them to do, so we have to make sure we manage them properly.

“Everything we do is short and sharp because, as you saw in the first half on Saturday, that is the way we are going to play and you need higher energy levels for that. You need to be fit, you need to have plenty of rest, you need to have good energy levels.

“If that means getting rest to get the energy levels I will do that.”

Nigel Worthington's teams always had a reputation for being super-fit, and Grant said he had no complaints about the physical condition of the players he has inherited.

“There is not a problem with fitness whatsoever,” he said. “Many managers come into new clubs and the first thing they say is, 'once I get them fit they'll be better'. I think that is a total indictment of the manager that has been here before.

“The fitness levels in the group are excellent, the work ethic is excellent. The biggest thing I have to put into them is the thought process. It's alright running and chasing, but you have to understand why you are doing it, what you are going to do when you get the ball back. I want 100pc effort to get it back but I want 100pc effort to try and keep it To do that you have to be at your maximum and to be at your maximum you have to have a lot of rest in between games.”