STAND-IN skipper Dan Gardner believes hard graft on the training pitch will reap rewards – despite last week’s opening day defeat to MK Dons.

The swash-buckling midfielder, who has come of age since signing for the club from Chesterfield in the summer of 2017, is right behind the refreshing new “no pain, no gain” regime instilled by manager Frankie Bunn and his assistant Andy Rhodes.

“It’s very, very good playing under Frankie,” Gardner told The Oldham Times.

“He’s very thorough and wants you to be fit.

“He gets his point across well and does a lot in training regarding shape and things like that.

“It’s been very hard but obviously that will stand us in good stead being fitter than everyone else.

“I thought it showed against MK Dons. Their lads were cramping up after 65-70 minutes but we were just kicking on trying to find that goal but unfortunately we couldn’t.

“We are fitter and stronger so hopefully we can run all over teams this season.”

Gardner, who has taken the armband in Peter Clarke’s absence through illness, has noticed a distinct change in approach from the new management team since their appointment in the summer. Boundary Park is a much more happier place, he says – but don’t let that fool anyone.

Bunn and Rhodes are sticklers for fitness.

The hard-work ethic is etched on their faces – and throughout the club.

“Frankie and Andy are both upbeat characters,” added Gardner.

“They’re good to have around the place. They are always happy but always demanding more from you.

“There has been quite a few changes from last season.

“We have been in training a lot more.

“It’s definitely different and it had to change, obviously after relegation. Frankie has come in and done that.

“When Richie Wellens came in last season, the weather was terrible and we had nowhere to train but this season so far we’ve had good weather and the pitches have been good up to now so you can do more with that which is what the manager has done.”