Training Thursday 12/8

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Only half the squad around today with no Barry,A Johnson,Given,Bridge,Zaba,Silva,Boateng,Vinnie,Boyata. Robinho was inside and apparently just there to talk as per a photographer who saw him. Looking very happy he said but the same couldnt be said for Bellamy who went inside looking far from happy.

A fairly gentle session today and while I was there Mancini ran things but didn't take a team onto a separate pitch to work on plans for the next match as he often does. A few too many missing to make it worthwhile I guess so it was more a case of pass and move type stuff and an end game scenario where a team scores a goal if it can find a teammate free in the end zone.

They were finishing in two groups , one working on attacking play with Ade as the focal point and the other i think just having shooting practice. Kole,Yaya just jogging to finish off with. Kolarov hadn't joined with the rest but was out doing some running. Oh and Joe Hart was out for the full session working hard even though he played a full 90 last night.

And so it's off to London tomorrow where it all gets going.

[1664agreatyear]

Cheers Doug,
Was Ireland there ?

[Adam Johnson's Big Toe]

Joe Harts attitude is bang on. Relentless and no slowing down. Good to see.

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Cheers Doug,
Was Ireland there ?

Yes he was and looking in quite good nick.

[Mark (Blue Army)]

Cheers Doug

[Chinners]

Cheers Doug.

Confession time: I never ever ever ever thought I'd say that I feel sorry for Bellamy but last seasons attitude and performance (in the main) really does seem unfair and sad to hear him glum about things .... unreal feelings about this situation at the mo ... I feel dirty

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Cheers Doug.

Confession time: I never ever ever ever thought I'd say that I feel sorry for Bellamy but last seasons attitude and performance (in the main) really does seem unfair and sad to hear him glum about things .... unreal feelings about this situation at the mo ... I feel dirty

Reflecting on what I saw today I think it all felt a little flat. Mostly I am sure that was because so many were still missing but even so with the prem starting in 2 days I would have liked to have felt a buzz around. That's not to say the spirit amongst those training was bad as it wasn't but it just felt like something was missing. Maybe it's just me and I had thoughts about players leaving like Nedum,Bellers,maybe one of the keepers,Ireland etc.

Balls to that. I might disagree with the odd thing going but we are 2 days away from a seriously exciting season starting and changes had to happen.A win against Spurs or at least a good performance and we can rule the world :)

[paulh]

thanks doug

[TonyM]

Thanks Doug. Very saddened to think are going to lose Ireland. I've said enough already on the subject. I guess I'm still hoping against hope that he will stay. :-(

Interesting about Robinho being back for talks. Hope he get's back on the pitch soon.

I guess it's no surprise that Bellamy didn't look happy. To be honest I think of the 3 he's the guy I'd let go. Robinho and Ireland have an awareness that Bellamy I think lacks. I'd not mind him staying for a pacy option on the wing but I do think he's more limited than most in the squad when it comes to link play.

[shortagain]

Thanks Doug. Very saddened to think are going to lose Ireland. I've said enough already on the subject. I guess I'm still hoping against hope that he will stay. :-(

Interesting about Robinho being back for talks. Hope he get's back on the pitch soon.

I guess it's no surprise that Bellamy didn't look happy. To be honest I think of the 3 he's the guy I'd let go. Robinho and Ireland have an awareness that Bellamy I think lacks. I'd not mind him staying for a pacy option on the wing but I do think he's more limited than most in the squad when it comes to link play.

Why feel sorry for Ireland, we were going to sell him when Hughes arrived and he had a fantastic season. Then last season he just didn't reproduce and started moaning about being played out of position etc, etc. Mancini played him in most of the pre season games, but he failed to deliver yet again. Even though we have recruited far better players, I think had he performed he would have been kept, but he didn't so fond farewell I say, thanks for your effort and wish you luck in your career somewhere else.
ps. See he is now trying to screw a few extra quid out of us!

[john@staustell]

You sentimental old bugger Doug.

[Thai]

Cheers Doug - great report as always.
Is there any training on Friday?

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Cheers Doug - great report as always.
Is there any training on Friday?

I think they are doing something before they travel.On the way there soon.

[Thai]

Thanks Doug - look forward to the report.

[brite blu sky]

Cheers Doug - great report as always.
Is there any training on Friday?

I think they are doing something before they travel.On the way there soon.

great report Doug.. as usual.

seems they are going to be training at C. Friday after all.. look forward to your report if you get there.