Decent weather for a change and I got there a litle early for the noon start. Things had been set up to train behind the fence and there were already loads of players way over on the far side doing warm up exercises. Many more than the norm so it looked like a special day for the reserves/academy boys and so it proved as they had a full on practice match. Looked a good match too although I couldnt see anydetail at 400 yards! 2.2 it finished apparently with mixed reserve academy sides.
First out then was Mancini who saw me and waved across and then I got into the usual position behind the fencing. A couple of minutes later Kiddo came over and told me the boss says to come round and inside to watch the training. After the walk around and obligatory wait at the gate as they didnt believe me I got inside and watched from just alonside the pitch. Sweet!
Missing today were Barry ( on his birthday) and Toure but neither are deemed a problem. I asked if Barry was his groin/hernia problem that the press etc talk about? I got a funny look so that rumour was basically put to bed.Lots of warm up stretching routines followed with plenty of good banter going on and then some handball fun to finish off before they went into a tight game of about 9 or 10 aside.
Nothing significant on the tactical side today but plenty of action albiet frantic stuff as it's bound to be when there are so many players in a smallish area. Best celebration was when Nigel scored and loads piling onto him but for me the most promising thing on view was Stevie Ireland. I love watching him play so I am a bit biased but he looked to have a slight spring in his step today.I hope I wasnt imagining it.It was only an hours session and the last out was Vieira doing 15 minutes extra work with Mancini/Kidd and Carminati. Actually Boyata and Ibrahim also stayed out playing together for a while like 2 kids in the park just having fun together.
Quite a few Italians also inside watching and Jose came over to say hello and invited me to join the group with him. Jose is the interpreter we see regularly at Mancini's side and anyothers who may need help.He apparently speaks 6 languages. I also met the Vicar! Seems he really isone too but actually is there as the club chaplain.Quick words also with 2 of the physios and also at the end I got to shake hands with Mancini and thank him for letting me come in to watch. Needless to say he was great and replied no problem in his best mancunian accent.
Whether it will become a more regular thing for me who knows but it's a start and I also thanked Kidd before leaving.
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