BORO S new boss Mark Stimson had to reduce pre-season training on Monday as the heatwave saw temperatures soaring towards almost 90f. Stimson said the decision to cut back training by 45 minutes was a safeguard against players being taken ill with dehydra

BORO'S new boss Mark Stimson had to reduce pre-season training on Monday as the heatwave saw temperatures soaring towards almost 90f.

Stimson said the decision to cut back training by 45 minutes was a safeguard against players being taken ill with dehydration and picking up injuries.

"The players have only been back a few days but it has been very hot and we are taking every precaution because of the dangers of over doing it in the intense heat," said Stimson.

"We called a halt to training early n Monday. The players are taking on board twice as much water as they would normally do.

"As long as the heat lasts we will take things easy."

But despite the heat, Stimson is happy with the response of his first team squad which currently stands at 17 players, and another 10 triallists.

After four days of training the players have shown a very high level of fitness and impressed Stimson with their dedication and enthusiasm.

"The pre-season training has been excellent and all the players have worked very hard," added Stimson

"We have some very good triallists here, some who have been with league clubs and we will be having a full game on Friday in training so I can have a better look at them.

"Some of them look decent but we will wait and see how they perform in a match before I make any decision on whether to sign any of them.

"But all the players have been great since they reported back last week and have worked hard. George Boyd looks very sharp and so do a lot of the other players."

More good news is that Jon Nurse will be training by the end of the week having made a full recovery from a double hernia operation.

Stimson has not ruled out further signings before next Tuesday's friendly against Crystal Palace at Broadhall Way.

New Palace manager Peter Taylor has promised to bring his full first team squad.

"I am still talking to a number of players I would like to sign and hopefully theyr could be with us next week in time for the Palace game," added Stimson.

There was a huge rush for tickets for the Boro v Spurs game when they went on sale on Tuesday.

Demand was so great Boro's new compterised ticketing system could not cope.

"We had extra staff on the phones but couldn't cope. Demand was manic," said Boro chairman Phil Wallace.