Naismith looking forward to Salisbury clash
Pre-season is all about gruelling training session designed to improve fitness ahead of the new campaign.
But Kal Naismith is certainly not complaining about having to end his holidays and return to work.
The Pompey squad were back on Thursday, ahead of Saturday’s first friendly at Salisbury (3pm kick-off).
And Naismith is relishing the opportunity to learn from new Blues boss Kenny Jackett ahead of the 2017/18 campaign.
The Scottish winger said: “I was excited the night before because you do miss it, so it’s good to be back and to see all the boys again.
“There wasn’t as much running as we normally do, but it was still a really tough session with a high tempo.
“It’s exciting to experience something new and we all know what the gaffer’s done in the game previously.
"It’s good to be back and to see all the boys again."
“So it’s good to just listen to him and take everything in like a sponge to learn from someone different.
“I’m happy that we’ve got a game so early and I’m looking forward to it. It can only help to improve our fitness.
“We did well last season, but we’re under no illusions – it’s going to be tough. We need to make sure that we’re working hard from day one.”
Cloudy skies and rain greeted Pompey’s first day of training, although Naismith concedes that it could have been worse.
He said: “The weather’s normally a lot nicer on the first day back, but we moan when it’s too warm and moan when it’s too cold.
“You can’t win. But I’m from Scotland, so I’m just happy when it’s not raining or snowing!”