Ivan Toney will captain Brentford on their return to the Premier League. Photo: Instagram: Ivan Toni
On the final day of last season, after a 1-0 win over Manchester City at the Gtech Community Stadium, Thomas Frank walked onto the pitch with a microphone in his hand. Addressing the fans of his club, the head coach of Brentford made a congratulatory speech, ending with a simple question: “Who is the best team in west London?!”
On that day, a couple of weeks after the eight-month gambling ban, Ivan Toney was in the stands. Dressed in black trousers, a black top and a black cap, Tony was not dressed for the occasion. While the rest of the club could enjoy their remarkable ninth place finish in the Premier League, Tony's mind was obviously elsewhere – and darker -.
It was around this time, as we now know, that Tony felt he had “fallen out of love with football.” During the early days of his exile from the game, he disconnected from the sport. “I was kind of punishing myself for not watching the games,” he told Sky Sports earlier this month.
Tony may have lost love, at least for a short time, but he I haven't lost my hunger. Since his suspension began in May and over the past eight months, the England striker has worked tirelessly to get himself in better shape than ever.
“Ivan Toney Version 2.0”
Toney has been so focused on his strength and conditioning that it can be argued that he will be the fittest and most fit athlete in the Premier League this weekend when his long-awaited return is expected. He returns to the field completely fresh, without any of the troubles, bruises and sprains that plague every professional player at this time of year.
On his return he will captain the Brentford team and has already spoken about it. his desire, even if it is away from his current club. He wants to fight for titles and leaves open the possibility of a move, possibly in the next two weeks.
“Everyone wants to play for a top club that is fighting for titles. Who knows if now January will be the right time for the club to come in and pay the right money?” He said. “But my main goal is to do what I do on the field and let the background work take care of itself.”
For Brentford and Tony, the weekend represents the culmination of eight months of planning and work. and travel the world seeking different perspectives and ideas. Brentford's managers didn't just want Tony to return the same player he was before his suspension. They wanted him to be better, stronger, rounder and deadlier. “Ivan Tony version 2.0”, as Frank described it.
During the first four months of his suspension, Tony was not even allowed to train with Brentford. This created a number of problems for both the player and his club, and his exclusion from the group did not sit well with Frank. – What do you gain from this? Frank asked in May. Gareth Southgate, the England manager, also criticized the decision.
Ivan Toney was not allowed to train with Brentford for the first four months after his disqualification. Photo: Getty Images/Ryan Pierse
When the ruling was handed down, it was originally intended that the Brentford training ground would be completely closed to Tony. . However, this turned out not to be the case as Tony was allowed into the building to receive treatment for a hamstring injury he suffered shortly before his suspension. This was only individual rehabilitation work, and it was carried out mainly in the off-season.
Besides these training sessions and a few summers off, Tony spent much of those first few months working with Jim Burnside, a strength and conditioning specialist. It was mostly soccer-specific strength work, but it also included mental preparation and a focus on mindset.
“Al, let's do it again.”
In an interview last year, Tony described himself as being in a “football prison.” , until he was allowed to train with his teammates. He said he was counting the days until September 18, when he will finally be allowed to join group classes in Brentford.
When that day finally arrived, Tony went back to the detailed 16-week plan that had been drawn up in advance. was built for him by Frank and the first team coaching staff. But he was not expected to be at the club every day for the last four months and was actively encouraged to take a break from the Premier League bubble.
As part of this, Tony made two trips to Nashville, Tennessee, where Allan Russell, the former England coach, conducted a series of special training sessions for him. Russell is a hitting coach and has worked with Tony to further master the art of hitting. They were also aimed at improving his movement, martial arts, weight transfer and balance. This was not a vacation: Tony traveled alone and performed three sessions a day.
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“He flew 5,000 miles to get the benefit in five days, so as not to waste a second, he tried especially hard the first time, and it's about finding the technique, based on physical fitness and the volume required mentally,” Russell told Telegraph Sport.
Tony got up early due to the time difference with England and hit the gym early that morning, then worked tirelessly on reps with Russell.
“I've been lucky enough to work with some of the best hitters in the world, and for Ivan, he never wanted this to be his last set,” Russell said. “He never wanted to leave. “Al, let’s do it again.” He wanted to get better, even when it was 160 reps… “let's do it again, I don't like it.”
“Every minute of every day he just impressed me and he knows it. He has a quiet strength. The best players don't deal with “confidence.” Confident players see things come and go, the best players gain confidence in their thoughts, minds and actions. They are confident that if something is wrong, they will fix it. Many players wield confidence, with big guns they have confidence in themselves.”
“If you want a rainbow, you'll have to put up with the rain.”
Whether you're in love with the game or not, there was a determination to show yourself with better side when he returns.
“It's not so much about technique, but the best players are always learning and the reason they're here is because they constantly challenge themselves,” Russell said. “You can teach people and challenge them, some of it is about content and intensity, some is more about balance or being quicker to react when you get to the ball first in the box. All this is included in the work. Some learn more depending on where they are in their career.
“He's high level. He is a very motivated young man and wants to learn, and there are points that we discussed and trained. Every top athlete will tell you that they have a lot to learn. You can challenge intensity, technique or position.”
Brentford had extra one-on-one sessions and a few matches behind closed doors. In October, he scored a goal in a friendly match against Como. Earlier this month he scored a hat-trick against Southampton Under-23s. The third of these goals, a high header from a set piece, was striking in its brutality.
🎩 @ivantoney24 in goals
Enjoy the Big Man's hat trick ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/1IVPOduBeD
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) January 6, 2024
It is rare for a player to be out for such a period of time without some sort of long-term injury. Will Tony need a few games to develop his gaming acumen? Perhaps, but that doesn't mean he's spent the last eight months on a treatment table. He had moved, worked and built up to this point.
For Brentford, the timing of his return could hardly have been better. Frank's team desperately needs reinforcements, as well as Tony's goals. Due to injuries to Brian Mbeumo and Kevin Shade, Brentford lost their five league games. It's no wonder they're so excited about Tony's return, and it's no wonder they're not interested in selling him this month.
In the summer, shortly after his suspension was announced, Tony posted some words on social media. . “If you want a rainbow,” he wrote, “you have to put up with the rain.” Well, the clouds have finally cleared. Now it's Tony's time to shine.
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