Scottish football pre-season: Secret story of inside pre-season training at a football club

Livingston won’t be the only team heading abroad to get rid for the rigours of the season. In fact, dozens of sides across the UK will be doing the same.

So, what goes into planning such a trip?

“Once the board and the manager determine there’s going to be one, the manager would normally tell me where he would like to go,” Karen Castello, Kilmarnock’s club secretary, explains.

“Once a venue’s available and we have a hotel, then obviously flights or ferries have to be organised. Then we have to also gather everyone’s passport details and ensure they’re all valid within the six months of travel.

“From laundry, dealing with the food that the sports scientists advise, it’s never-ending. Also, within the hotel we also have to arrange meeting rooms, physio rooms, private rooms, private dining…”

While Castello is in charge of the logistics after listening to the manager’s wishlist, clubs can also pull in agents to pull together the perfect trip.

During the jaunt, which is typically around one week, players will also get some down time. And if anyone fancies a round of golf, then you guessed it, Castello has to organise this too.

“It’s also good when you’ve got fresh players coming in as well,” said Castello of the social benefit of going away for pre-season.

“It’s the only time you actually get a chance to actually meet the boys on a daily basis.

“I mean, I see them here at the club, obviously, but it’s good to get to know them. It’s really nice because you get to see the personal side as well.”