In a year like no other due to the Coronavirus outbreak, the initial return to training looked entirely different for the squad as they prepare for the 2020/21 campaign, which is set to begin on the weekend of Saturday, 12th September.
As per the EFL protocols for Stage One of Return to Training, the Iron squad has been split into small groups and while Covid-19 testing isn’t required at this stage, social distancing measures and other guidelines have been implemented.
Returning for the first time in 143 days, Gilliead told iFollow Iron: "It's good to be back. Though we're not technically back in the building yet as such (due to those guidelines above). it's good to see the lads and familiar faces, and getting back to it.
"I think I've been driving my missus mad in the house (during lockdown) but it's something we all have to do - we all have to abide by it and make sure we're keeping safe.
"It's still a risk being out but it's good to be back playing football and doing it socially distant."
Gilliead can take encouragement from the successful return of Premier League, Championship and play-off football.
He said: "Having watched the games, it does seem to be one of the safest places to be - out in the open, on the pitch - but we just have to be sensible with it and can't get carried away. It's something very serious and we're all taking it seriously a day at a time, making sure we're fit for the season.
"We've done running and ball work to get ourselves going again, and it will get tougher as we go along.
"It's not dissimilar to a normal pre-season really though. We have plenty of time to get our fitness and touches back, and are all looking forward to getting ready for the new season."
See much more from Alex Gilliead on iFollow Iron. Click here to sign-up.
