Cheltenham Town FC

Ed Williams and Joe Hanks were handed their very first professional deals back in May here at the Abbey Business Stadium and they are already building their strength up before pre-season begins in July.

The two young pros are training under the watchful eye of Ian Hutton, a strength and conditioning coach who has been working alongside the club over the past season to ensure first team footballers are hitting their potential when it comes to fitness. It's clear to see that Ian is loving every minute of working with the players and he has high hopes for both Joe and Ed ahead of the 2013-14 campaign.

"My passion is football and I hope that shows in my sessions," said Ian.

"Both boys are doing well with me right now and the hard work starts now. The idea of working with me is that they train with me, get stronger, play for the first team and earn themselves a new contract at the end of it all.

"I love my job and being involved with the football is my thing. Working in your hobby has a lot positives obviously!"

Both Joe and Ed will be looking to make an impact on the first team as quickly as possible but it will be hard work putting themselves in contentions for what is set to be another rollercoaster season in League Two.

Joe Hanks has already made his professional debut for Cheltenham Town last season but Ed Williams is yet to make that step and he feels the extra work with Ian is benefiting him hugely.

"It has been really good for me. It is a lot of hard work but hopefully it will pay off," said Ed.

"I have been doing a lot leg based work but dead lifts have been a part of it too. I have made good progress already and it's getting easier to recover too!"

Seeing Ian at work with both boys is eye opening stuff and some of the dead lifts look exceptionally tough but both players had smiles on their faces come the end of the session. 

The extra work is paying off and both Ed and Joe are adding more and more muscle to their stature as the weeks progress.

"Mark Yates sees these players every day so he knows what they need to progress as footballers," Ian explained.

"Hopefully what I can offer is a benefit to the whole team. I think both Ed and Joe will feel sharper as well as their balance and co-ordination. Their basic strength will improve and hopefully that will mean they can't be outmuscled on the ball.

"Fingers crossed the work they do here will give them the foundation to improve as footballers."

Watch the full feature with Ian, Joe and Ed on Robins Player right now. Click here to watch the footage.