Training Wednesday 30/12

[13021J]

I think I like the idea of a manager who is hands on in training sessions, never really understood how they can just watch from the sidelines when they (hopefully) have ideas to get across to the players.

[shortagain]

Top man Doug, that wind was diabolical, must have been a chill factoe of -12c at least. Just heard Superman out for 2/3 weeks with hamstring problem which he picked up at Wolves. Good job we have numbers in our squad these days.

Was you at training today?

No Lewis, had to be in Westhoughton, where it was probably colder than sunny Carrington

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Westhoughton is cold in summer isn't it?

Can't believe I forgot to mention the floodlights now in place at Carrington! Not the old fashioned massive pylons of course but quite diddy things which were perched just above and alonside the inside fencing. They tested a couple while we were there yesterday and they do wind them up another 10 feet or so higher. It appeared there werw about 5 lots of these makeshift lights , 3 down one side and just 2 on the other. No doubt brought in the for those extra afternoon sessions which might go into the gloom.

No training today,Thursday. A number of players in SWP/Ireland/RSC/Benjani/Bridge/Robinho but only Bridge and Benjani ventured out for a little gentle work out. Bridge didn't last long at that.Mancini not there at all

[shortagain]

Perhaps he has flown home to be with his family for the New Year festivities, jetting back Friday night to be with the boys for Saturdays trip to the frozen north east