KEITH Curle has taken the decision NOT to hold a pre-season training camp away from the club due to the risks surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.

But that does mean Latics are in for an easy time on familiar territory.

It is a case of ‘no pain, no gain’ when it comes to moulding a side that can been successful as far as Curle is concerned.

While Latics were among the top scorers last season, all that good work was countered by having the leakiest defence, leading to a mid-season change of manager and less than mediocre 18th placed finish.

But while Curle is keen maintain their attacking prowess, there will be plenty of hard work done to dramatically improve their defensive statistics.

And it will start on the training ground, with increased fitness levels providing the bedrock for Oldham Athletic being a side to be reckoned with next season.

"I can't wait,” smiled Curle, who will welcome his players back next week.

"I have sent a few messages out so the players are aware this will be the hardest pre-season they've ever had.

"Whether the players are 18 or 34-35 they're going to feel pain.

“The players will be fit. We’ve given them all off-season plans and programmes to adhere to, because as a player and coach I have always prided myself on fitness and longevity.

“I understand what’s required and the demands, not only physically but mentally, that the players are going to have to go through. I know the extra work we put in during pre-season is going to hold every player in good stead.”

“On a Saturday afternoon, we need to cover the ground, we need to cover the distances and have more energy, desire and hunger then the opposition to able to play.

“The strength and conditioning coaches have been in regular dialogue with the players and they know that once we return it is going to be tough.”

Curle, whose side will play six pre-season friendlies, feels it is important to get an extra yard out of all players.

“I had a good chat with all the players at the end of the season and for some of those players, the guidelines were laid out. Some of the players, in their opinion, were fit enough, strong enough, quick enough and they were told that things need to improve,” he said.

“There have got to be levels of improvement, because if you're a professional footballer and you're not as fit as you can be, or you're not as strong or as quick as you can be, then you’re letting yourself down.”

Latics will do all of their pre-season training on familiar territory, mostly at their Chapel Road training base, with plans for a training day at Boundary Park which they are hoping fans can attend.

Curle has opted not to organise a pre-season training camp away from the club due to the ongoing situation with Covid-19.

“In the current climate why expose players to a potential risk?,” he said.