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The last session for a while and an important one before such a big game as Burnley tomorrow.Everybody out there together although Robinho only for all the warm up stuff before he went off for a 1 to 1 with a physio. He did look ok and as though he was enjoying himself and got the inevitable smiles out for the watching photographers.

All reporting fit though for RSC it's not 100% as he still has major strapping on his ankle and wasn't testing that foot too much in shooting later on. Toure/Ade both back and fine . Bridge actually looke quite sharp to me and Petrov also looking fit even after taking a knock during a game.

The feeling I got watching was very positive. Sometimes in isolation a session might look ok but it's only after comparisons or reflection that it might have been only a good routine one but this and yesterday's seemed a lot more " at it " than the week before.They played a full game but on half a pitch and the speed of passing and movement was really good. Tough obviously in limited space but good to watch and identify those who cope better with the pacy game and the need for a top first touch.

Whilst not wanting to raise expectations too high Michael Johnson again showed what talent he has. He has time on the ball. There didnt seem enough space anywhere to have time but if anyone did it was him and he did score a good goal which was more about composure than anything. It was very well created for him but the sidefoot into the corner was very nice. Gareth Barry was also arriving inthe box nicely at times and he also scored 2.

Tevez was buzzing around well and Stevie as ever showed a great touch and an eye for a key pass. Fun to listen to some banter with a few watchers and Craig Bellamy with Craig wondering why 2 kids were not at school!

Shooting practice at the end was Bellamy,Ade,RSC and Weiss against Stu Taylor and Gunner Neilsen. Overall I think the keepers edged it with some great saves. Probably the pick of the finishers was Weiss. I wonder?

After tomorrow the staff fly out on Sunday for a bit of sunshine.

THANK YOU DOUG.

Cheers again Doug. I know you said don't get your hopes up too much re Johnson, but it really is great to have him back. Let's hope he stays fit & the silly alcy/gambling rumours were just that.

Doug, I'd like to ask you about Tevez. Who are his mates? Does he train better with some players than others?

I don't think he has found a soulmate on the pitch yet. Do you think he'll find one and who do you think it would be?

Douglas Higginbottom wrote:
Whilst not wanting to raise expectations too high Michael Johnson again showed what talent he has. .

dont think you are the only one noticing mate. wasnt ade saying what a talent he is a few weeks back?

dazby wrote:Doug, I'd like to ask you about Tevez. Who are his mates? Does he train better with some players than others?

I don't think he has found a soulmate on the pitch yet. Do you think he'll find one and who do you think it would be?

Interesting question and I don't have a good answer. I don't know how good his english is but I did think at the start it might have restricted his ability to settle and feel 100% involved. That and the fact that he did miss some training.Latterly it has been noticeable he chats with quite a few but I can't say I have noticed anything special where I would say they are great mates.

A little maybe with RSC and Silvinho where the language might be easier. As for actual training with others I feel Stevie Ireland might be the one to link best with him. He is a player who loves to be on the ball and with Stevie around can play the 1,2's well which Stevie loves to do. No doubt at all he would work well with Robinho too and if we get everybody out there eventually we might see some exceptional quality.

I will watch him closer in future and report back.

Mike J wrote:

Douglas Higginbottom wrote:
Whilst not wanting to raise expectations too high Michael Johnson again showed what talent he has. .

dont think you are the only one noticing mate. wasnt ade saying what a talent he is a few weeks back?

I read that too and the comments from Pearce before he selected him. I had said ( I think Johnno did too) that he might not be ready till mid December but bit by bit the fitness seems to be coming back and I just wonder if............. I still don't want to get carried away.The talent is not in doubt but match fitness and stamina are someting else.

Today again he was out first for training but the early minutes were spent talking with EN as much as anything else. I feel they are handling him and his re emergence well at the moment and we can all look forward to his next appearance.

Saying thank you never seems enough Doug.

Your training reports have become such an important part of this forum and it's obvious how much everyone here appreciated them.

What was the weather like down there today just out of interest and do you ever notice any of our players who look like they might let bad weather put them off? I have worried about this in previous seasons with some of our stars from warmer climates!

Douglas Higginbottom wrote:

dazby wrote:Doug, I'd like to ask you about Tevez. Who are his mates? Does he train better with some players than others?

I don't think he has found a soulmate on the pitch yet. Do you think he'll find one and who do you think it would be?

Interesting question and I don't have a good answer. I don't know how good his english is but I did think at the start it might have restricted his ability to settle and feel 100% involved. That and the fact that he did miss some training.Latterly it has been noticeable he chats with quite a few but I can't say I have noticed anything special where I would say they are great mates.

A little maybe with RSC and Silvinho where the language might be easier. As for actual training with others I feel Stevie Ireland might be the one to link best with him. He is a player who loves to be on the ball and with Stevie around can play the 1,2's well which Stevie loves to do. No doubt at all he would work well with Robinho too and if we get everybody out there eventually we might see some exceptional quality.

I will watch him closer in future and report back.

An equally interesting reply Doug. It amazes me that someone like Tevez working in a foreign country with the spare time they have wouldn't learn the language a little quicker. Still, I'm sure he's not the sharpest tool in the shed.

Interesting that you should mention Stevie as the one to do the 1-2's with. I was hoping for a Sweep, Weiss or Zabba as an answer. It just shows how important Stevie is to our attacking flair. Look out prem with Stevie, Robbie, Tevez and Ade going nuts. Mouthwatering stuff.

Thanks Doug,
All that seems very positive.
I am suprised about Tevez and the language. He has been in England for some time now and I would have thought his previous club would have sorted that out with him...very neglectful.

Will you be posting reports from AD Doug? Have the lads sorted out the flights and accommodation for you? We still ecpect our daily reports. Maybe it's time for WW, BMD and KK to swat the moths from their wallets...:-)

Isn't that blueb4themoons job as comp winner?

Cheers Doug

Lewis wasnt with you by any chance, if so hide him next time or Bellamy might have the Absence from School police on him :-p

Excellent report and top notch answers to posters questions.Thanx DH

ruralblue wrote:Cheers Doug

Lewis wasnt with you by any chance, if so hide him next time or Bellamy might have the Absence from School police on him :-p

Lewis was not with me. He takes his school seriously and loves every day there (well maybe)

dazby wrote:Isn't that blueb4themoons job as comp winner?

Definitely his job. Wish I was going though.

john68 wrote:Thanks Doug,
All that seems very positive.
I am suprised about Tevez and the language. He has been in England for some time now and I would have thought his previous club would have sorted that out with him...very neglectful.

Will you be posting reports from AD Doug? Have the lads sorted out the flights and accommodation for you? We still ecpect our daily reports. Maybe it's time for WW, BMD and KK to swat the moths from their wallets...:-)

Will KK be over there and sending his fantastic reports I wonder?

One thing our imports have mastered is the art of swearing. I had a chat with Kasper about it once and he said the worst was Gunner Neilsen but he doesnt always do it in english so it's not picked up. Robbi and Ade are very much english swearers. Bellers is the one you hear most and recently it's all been aimed and himself.

I may be a touch biased due to having had the pleasure of meeting DH but I am sure I wouldn't be alone in singling out the training reports as the threads of the year....without question.

Legend status is something bandied about lightly on the forum but Mr Higginbottom should get a ManCityFans knighthood for services to the for forum (as should Kippax for his away trip and club insider insights). We are very lucky to have two such dedicted, considered and knowledgeable chaps in our number.

Hats and City scarves off to you both gentlemen

(Ps. Good report that today Higgi senior)

I may be a touch biased due to having had the pleasure of meeting DH but I am sure I wouldn't be alone in singling out the training reports as the threads of the year....without question.

Legend status is something bandied about lightly on the forum but Mr Higginbottom should get a ManCityFans knighthood for services to the for forum (as should Kippax for his away trip and club insider insights). We are very lucky to have two such dedicted, considered and knowledgeable chaps in our number.

Hats and City scarves off to you both gentlemen

(Ps. Good report that today Higgi senior)

ant london wrote:I may be a touch biased due to having had the pleasure of meeting DH but I am sure I wouldn't be alone in singling out the training reports as the threads of the year....without question.

Legend status is something bandied about lightly on the forum but Mr Higginbottom should get a ManCityFans knighthood for services to the for forum (as should Kippax for his away trip and club insider insights). We are very lucky to have two such dedicted, considered and knowledgeable chaps in our number.

Hats and City scarves off to you both gentlemen

(Ps. Good report that today Higgi senior)

+1

whatelse to say doug ,great as always, you have earned a little rest, though i suppose like myself & a lot on here you hate the international breaks ,when are they due back ?is it a set date for them all to report back