Big Sam pleased with Rovers run out

Rovers boss Sam Allardyce was pleased with the run out and the effort put in by the Rovers as there first pre-season outing of the campaign started with little in the way of goalmouth action but plenty in the way of hard work and hot sunshine.

Sturm Graz were the opponents and are due to start their season next week so were well ahead of Rovers in terms of polished performance and fitness.

But Rovers held out for a 0-0 and got some valuable running in their legs.

Manager Big Sam was content with what unfolded as first teamers and reserves all got off to a low key start in their new season preparations.

Allardyce told the Rovers website - 'For the first time we've put a game at the end of this very important physical week for the players to start their preparation for the start of the new season on the 14th of August,'

'So the players were already fatigued coming into the game and then to meet a team that are one week away from the start of their season meant it was going to be a big test.

'But of course the biggest test of all was probably the ninety degree heat we had out there on the pitch.

'So we had to be very careful with the players, we told them to take it easy and not to over extend themselves too much and to try and enjoy as best they can, to get a feel of the ball.

'It was a good competitive game in a nice stadium against a good side that start their Austrian season next week.'

It's an early start but we are back!

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