Saints clock up Garmin data

Under the watchful eye of manager Ronald Koeman and his backroom staff, Saints players donned the GPS running watches during a session at their Staplewood training ground. This particular session takes place every six weeks and is designed to monitor the condition of the team as well as their training programme.

It is the first time Garmin’s multi-watch has been used by a Premier League club.

The Forerunner 620 has the ability to capture GPS data, advanced heart rate data, the VO2 max score and to measure running dynamics. Each helps provide guidance on the need to adjust training and recovery schedules to maximise performance.

The watches caught the eye of a number of the players, including skipper José Fonte, Italy international Graziano Pelle and midfielder Jack Cork, as they monitored the data on the face of their watches throughout the session. 

Head of Sports Medicine and Science Mo Gimpel said: “Garmin has a number of interesting technology options for us to explore. We’re always looking to extend our capabilities and push the boundaries to learn new ways of working with our players.

“Garmin is educating us on its products and we’re learning how it can potentially improve the way we manage the training, recovery plans and schedules.”

A club partner of Saints since the start of the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League season, Garmin has a lot more to offer Southampton to enhance its already industry-leading sports medicine and science department.

Andrew Silver, Garmin EMEA Fitness Product Manager: “Garmin products are primarily designed for endurance sports, but used regularly the VO2 and recovery features can help players understand their current physiological condition without the need for a lab. 

“We hope that this will provide vital information that will help the Southampton coaching staff and players in their training and preparation, and are looking forward to helping them continue their great start to the season.”