Shropshire Star

Physio Chris Skitt intends to get Shrewsbury Town fitter than ever

Physiotherapist Chris Skitt is intent on ensuring this Shrewsbury Town squad are the fittest and strongest to ever wear blue and amber.

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Skitt has taken on a more central role in the club's strength and conditioning programme to go alongside his physio duties following the recent departure of Andy Hodgen.

And with a detailed plan mapping out everything from data, gym sessions, weight loss, muscle gain and the rest, Skitt believes Town fans will reap the rewards with their side competing more this season.

After out-fighting and out-playing high profile opposition such as Aston Villa and Wolves during pre-season, Town's credentials will be tested today as Paul Hurst takes his team to a physical AFC Wimbledon side.

"There was a chat with the gaffer last year to tell him where my thoughts were with the strength and conditioning, especially the fitness side of things," said Skitt.

"Quite frankly there were issues I thought could be made a lot better so we spent the off-season developing a periodised plan for the whole season to look to improve their fitness, strength and physicality.

"Myself and George Bunce (data analyst) put together a macrocycle to get players in the best condition for the start of the season and to keep the condition right the way through to the end of the season.

"It was the aim to get the players physically stronger."

Skitt, who balances the full-on role with the running of his own physiotherapy company C S Physio, is satisfied at how far he has been able to take the squad but understands there is a long road ahead.

Players Lenell John-Lewis and Alex Rodman have both admitted they feel at the best fitness of their career. Facilities at the new Sundorne Castle training complex such as a state of the art gym also play a major part.

The popular physio added: "I want to see more of us being all over teams physically. I believe we're a long way off where we can get to. There'll be improvements right the way through.

"We take posture pictures each month and it was only at that point we could tell the difference.

"Bryn Morris is a standout one, Mat Sadler also, their pictures from a month ago compared to recently is vastly different.

"We're putting more muscle on the lads without taking away from their athleticism and mobility."