Jack Butland is relishing the near two-week pre-season trip, which will see Hull City spend nine days in Slovenia before rounding off their camp in Istanbul.
Butland is City‘s sole signing since winning promotion, though it’s hoped that by the time Sergej Jakirovic’s men return to England on August 2, they’ll have a few new faces in tow.
Pre-season camps are often viewed as absolutely crucial from a fitness point of view, but the camaraderie built up when players are spending so much time with each other is vitally important.
Last summer’s trip to Turkey proved to be the springboard for the Tigers’ remarkable promotion-winning campaign, and with a Premier League season to prepare for, it will need to be again.
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And though the focus is on working hard, having some fun and enjoying each other’s company will also be a key part of the bonding process, and it’s something the experienced stopper can’t wait for.
“There are a few moving parts, but we are gonna have some fun, that’s for sure,” an excited Butland told Hull Live. “I think pre-season trips sometimes you get seen as a bit of a chore, but for a group of lads to go away and have a laugh together and work hard, there’s not many better things to do actually, it’s one of the most fun parts of it.
“We’re gonna have some fun, we’ll work hard, and we’ll get ready for the games that we’ve got out there, as we get closer to the season.”
City’s trips to Turkey are often frantic and, at times, a little chaotic. For many of City’s squad that arrived after last season’s trip, it’ll be their first taste of it.
“I’ve heard a few stories so far of the goings on, so I’m sure we’ll have a laugh,” he joked. “I’ve experienced Istanbul myself, playing Fenerbahce (in the Europa League with Rangers) the year before. We’ve had some interesting times there, fun times, and I’ve been looking forward to it.”
While the Tigers are away, it’s expected Olympiacos goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis will arrive to provide competition for Butland and Dillon Phillips.
“I haven’t actually heard much about it, so it is what it is,” Butland continued. “We’ll have a good group, and the most important thing is that we perform well for the club and whoever plays is supported by the other one.”
Hull Live will be the only English media with City during every step of their pre-season tour, and you can follow all our updates in print and online.
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