Burnley Manager Eddie Howe has sanctioned a new indoor training facility in a bid to improve the club’s on field performance.
Gawthorpe is already scheduled to undergo a facelift this summer to modernise existing facilities that have been in place for over 50 years.
However the work doesn’t stop there with Howe keen to turn the vacant leisure centre at Turf Moor in to a bespoke gymnasium with a 3G training surface that will be used to benefit all ages, from under-eights in the Centre of Excellence through to the first team squad.
“We are pleased that behind the scenes the facilities are taking shape,” Howe told the club’s website.
“My first impression, since coming in, is that the facilities needed a little bit of love.”
“I have been fortunate enough that the board have been supportive in that quest and Doug Metcalfe, the stadium manager, has also been very helpful.”
“Having a new gymnasium will be massive for us because we didn’t have that luxury last year.”
“It is something we are firm believers in and I think it will improve the players’ performance, so that’s been a big reason behind that push.”
“It will be used by everybody, not just the first team but also the development squad and youth team and Centre of Excellence, so it’s a real feather in the cap for everyone.”
The conversion of the leisure centre follows news that work has started on upgrading the Padiham-based training base at Gawthorpe.
The modernisation of Gawthorpe will include new dressing rooms, medical, pre-hab and treatment rooms, a players’ lounge, offices and ancillary facilities.
Externally, an additional training area is being created, along with the annual overhaul to the ‘top pitch’ and the completion of work to the pitches over the bridge to allow youth team fixtures to return to that area of the training ground.
Key elements of the work will be completed in time for the start of the new season, with the remainder following soon after.
And Howe believes the overall improvements will provide a lasting legacy. He said: “The work that is done to Gawthorpe will also be a huge benefit going forward.”
“The site just needed a bit of updating. It’s been a long time since it’s had any work done on it and if we can relocate the players, so they can change there in the morning, then it will be a huge step.”
“We want to set a professional environment where there are no excuses, for any reason, in terms of poor performance or attitude.”
“We have to set the example as a club so the players follow suit and we are very fortunate that the board have backed us and we are hopeful that it will improve the facilities for many generations.”
Stadium Manager Doug Metcalfe, who is overseeing the summer work, added: “We are conscious of the need to improve our facilities.”
“There have been a number of different schemes proposed over the past few years, but we feel this fits in with our current situation and allows us to progress in a strategic and timely manner.”
“The new gym and 3G surface both fit in with the philosophy of the manager and how he wants to continually raise standards.”
“Our aim, as a club, is to support him and we will do everything within our powers to do that.”
The current facilities, which have been in place at Gawthorpe for over 50 years, are to modernised, comprising new dressing rooms, medical, pre-hab and treatment rooms, a players’ lounge, offices and ancillary facilities.
Externally, an additional training area is being created, along with the annual overhaul to the ‘top pitch’ and the completion of work to the pitches over the bridge to allow youth team fixtures to return to that area of the training ground.
