‘Golf trip’ was no picnic for skipper Goodwin

Jul 18 2012 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

JIM Goodwin has revealed how he told the missus his Buddies were going on a week-long golfing holiday in the Costa del Sol.

But the battling midfielder, right, admitted that daily rigorous workouts meant it was no sun-soaked Spanish break.

Throughout their trip, manager Danny Lennon hit the first-team squad with two training sessions per day – with a daily stint in the gym factored in too.

And with two games against Barnsley and El Canete crammed into their stay in Spain, there was little time for Saints to have a siesta around the poolside.

Goodwin, 30, joked: “I was having a bit of banter with my wife and I said to her that we were all going out for a week-long golf holiday and she didn’t look too pleased, especially as we’ve got two kids at home to look after!

“But the joke’s on me really, as it’s been very hard work – and there’s more work to be done.”

Goodwin, who will retain the club captaincy for next season, believes the players will feel a world of difference in their fitness levels as they crank up their preparations for next season.

He explained: “I can tell you it’s no picnic, pre-season.

“When you are out training for two to three hours and the sun is blistering, then it becomes very, very hard.

“But you definitely feel the benefits.”

Goodwin has been particularly impressed with the three new summer signings Lewis Guy, Sam Parkin and Jon Robertson.

He said: “Wee ‘Robbo’ has been an absolute flying machine and his energy is incredible. He’s going to be a really important player for us in midfield.

“And Lewis and Sam have also integrated themselves into the squad very well.

“Having them on board and seeing all the other guys in action, it all bodes well for next season.”