After joining midway through pre-season during last season’s campaign, Joe Lolley is ready to soak up a full pre-season in Australia.
With pre-season tallying 12 weeks this season after the season start dates were confirmed, Englishman Lolley will be looking to soak up the winter sunshine and hit the ground running come October.
“Last year, I came here maybe six weeks into pre-season and it took me some time to get into it.
“I was a little bit behind and then you have to get used to everything because when you come in, you don’t know what to expect,” Lolley said.
“Now, I have a bit more time under my belt to get fit and ready for the season.”
For Lolley, the challenge of competitive matches doesn’t have to wait until October with Sydney FC playing in the Australia Cup Round of 32 against the Central Coast Mariners on the 13th of August with a venue still to be arranged.
As the team look ahead to that fixture, they have also been enjoying their new training facility which the former Premier League player believes is some of the best he has experienced.
“It’s beautiful. It’s right up there with what I’ve experienced in the UK, probably even better than what I was used to.
“We are still doing tweaks to it to make it even better but it really makes it more enjoyable coming in everyday and being part of this project,” the Englishman said.
Overall though, the 30-year-old is enjoying back in the football environment.
“It’s been great to be back and see everyone.
“The weather has been beautiful, so it has been good for the body and I am looking forward to just keep going,” he concluded.
As the second week of pre-season concludes, Steve Corica’s side continue to prepare for the upcoming Isuzu UTE A-League campaign
