EXCLUSIVE: Ross Matthews pinpoints key factor that can drive Raith Rovers to success next season
Manager Barry Robson demanded powerful running from the Stark's Park side after taking over midway through last term.
All the players commented on the tough sessions they were being put through on the training pitch as Robson sought the energy needed to implement his game-plan.
It may have been hard work but Matthews insists the Kirkcaldy outfit saw the fruits of their labours as the campaign wore on.
And, with the players now just over a week into their pre-season preparations, the vice-captain believes they can power their way to success in 2025/26.
'We're getting used to Barry Robson, knowing the way that he wants to play,' said Matthews, who penned a 12-month contract extension this summer.
'He got us extremely fit at the end of last season. I've told a few people our training is so hard. It's really intense.
'I was dreading pre-season but it'll be a good thing for the team.
'We'll come back being hopefully one of, if not the fittest teams in the league and hopefully it stands us in good stead.
He added: 'Even towards the end of last season, normally you'd ease up. Normally the running kind of tails off towards the end of the season, but we continued to do that all through the season.
'But, fair play, that's when our form peaked at that point. We felt fit on the pitch, generally felt like we were fitter than the teams we were playing against.
'Going into the last 10-15 minutes of games, we felt strong. We showed that against Falkirk a couple of times through there, scoring late goals.
'One of our best performances was the last game of the season when we had a really strong second-half.
'We were in a good run of form at the end and we've got to take that into next season now.'
Last season was Matthews' most consistent campaign for some time.
The 29-year-old made 39 appearances, outstripping the 26 he managed over the previous two years when he was plagued by a foot injury.
'To get that many games under my belt last season was brilliant,' he added. 'I'm feeling extremely fit – like I said, because of the manager's training.
'That was definitely a bonus of last season for myself, just because I had all the niggles the year before and I wasn't fully fit for the majority of that season.
'Touch wood just now, but I had no injury problems last season. So, I'm feeling really good going into this season.'
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