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Costa Del Carrington today. Below freezing I was told but with a clear sky and a warm sun it felt perfect for some football.As I got there early I spent a little time at the front gate with some top City fans seeking autographs.They got SWP,Joe Hart while I was there and apparently were only wanting Ade and Tevez to complete a set!

Can't think of anyone missing today when they came out although after initial warm up work a couple didn't take part in the football, Zaba,Jerome but I think it will have been precautionary.Tevez in a white snood today!They did the playground tag thing again for a bit of fun.It started with the Argentinians and the 2 of them went for the easy slow target.Then it was the brothers who I think went for Lescott.The only player who escaped after being targeted was Silva. All good fun to get them in the mood.

Then after some routine exercises they played a match on half a pitch which for me was most notable by a few brilliant passes creating goals. Tevez to SWP, Mario to RSC,Barry for Silva.When Lombardo shouted 1 minute left the last goal was scored by Mario showing quick feet and a neat finish.Then Lombardo decided there were still 2 minutes left and the final goal was a quality volley from Carlos.

Milner didn't take part in the game but he stayed out working closely with Mancini.At the end Mancini stayed out talking with Mario and showing him a few moves.Unusually today there was no work done specifically with the Everton team.No doubt all that was done yesterday.

Thanks Doug!

Nice one Doug, sounded like a really well balanced session. Good to hear that they had been told to work on passes for assists ;)

Cheers Doug, you deserve a medal.

Thanks mate, has this whole Tevez thing had any affect on them Doug??

I have this forum bookmarked quite simply just for Doug's training updates.

Thought it was about time I said ta!..

Thanks. Excellent work. Better insight than most journalists offer anyhow......

Doug, could you please advise what brand of winter wear you use, as I live not far from Carrington & it was -5 at noon, so whatever you have must be fantastic and I would like to get some. Only been out 15 mins & my feet are like blocks of ice.

Would add you are my hero keeping us informed of training every day whatever the weather. It is greatly appreciated.

Looks like everyone may be fit & available (you didn't mention Manu & NDJ suspended) so should be able to field his bestish team against moaning moyes & co. My guess would be JH, JB, KT, VK, AK, PZ, GB, YT, DS, MB, CT. Even the likely bench makes you drool, SG, MR, JL, PV, JM, AJ, Jo plus in the stands DB, WB, SWP, RSC, EA & NDJ. Apologies if I have missed anyone.

When we thinking MJ will be back for selection then?

Was he training today?

Douglas Higginbottom wrote:Then it was the brothers who I think went for Lescott.

Doug, I believe the correct nomenclature is 'players of an African background.'

Mark ( Blue Army ) wrote:Thanks mate, has this whole Tevez thing had any affect on them Doug??

Nothing noticeable. There was a lone cameraman there today and I would say he was 100% focussed on Tevez and no doubt seeking any shot he could that would show him in a negative light.He would have been really dissapointed when they were having fun in the warm ups stuff but I would expect he would have got some picture that could be misrepresented to show how unhappy he is and how all the team hate him.

I wouldn't say Carlos was at his best today but he still scored 2 plus a great assist and generally was just one of the team out there.

shortagain wrote:Doug, could you please advise what brand of winter wear you use, as I live not far from Carrington & it was -5 at noon, so whatever you have must be fantastic and I would like to get some. Only been out 15 mins & my feet are like blocks of ice.

Would add you are my hero keeping us informed of training every day whatever the weather. It is greatly appreciated.

Looks like everyone may be fit & available (you didn't mention Manu & NDJ suspended) so should be able to field his bestish team against moaning moyes & co. My guess would be JH, JB, KT, VK, AK, PZ, GB, YT, DS, MB, CT. Even the likely bench makes you drool, SG, MR, JL, PV, JM, AJ, Jo plus in the stands DB, WB, SWP, RSC, EA & NDJ. Apologies if I have missed anyone.

Forget special winter wear. Just double up on everything seems to work for me and I do usually get there early and have a good walk to get warm before they come out.
-5!! felt like about 10 warmer than that at least.

Tony P wrote:

Douglas Higginbottom wrote:Then it was the brothers who I think went for Lescott.

Doug, I believe the correct nomenclature is 'players of an African background.'

Hmmmm I have brothers who wouldnt fit that description :) I will stick with brothers for Yaya and Kolo if it's ok .

Douglas Higginbottom wrote:

Tony P wrote:

Douglas Higginbottom wrote:Then it was the brothers who I think went for Lescott.

Doug, I believe the correct nomenclature is 'players of an African background.'

Hmmmm I have brothers who wouldnt fit that description :) I will stick with brothers for Yaya and Kolo if it's ok .

;)

Douglas Higginbottom wrote:

Mark ( Blue Army ) wrote:Thanks mate, has this whole Tevez thing had any affect on them Doug??

Nothing noticeable. There was a lone cameraman there today and I would say he was 100% focussed on Tevez and no doubt seeking any shot he could that would show him in a negative light.He would have been really dissapointed when they were having fun in the warm ups stuff but I would expect he would have got some picture that could be misrepresented to show how unhappy he is and how all the team hate him.

I wouldn't say Carlos was at his best today but he still scored 2 plus a great assist and generally was just one of the team out there.

Cheers mate.

Thanks Doug,brilliant as ever.

Regarding the 'stolen' training report by the Telegraph,was there ever any feedback from the club? cheers

Just remembered AJ wasnt there today! Just guessing but maybe compassionate day off today!

You don't think there's a chance that he didn't work with tomorrow's team because the match isn't going to be on tomorrow do you? That would be terrible.

Dougie Boy, you are a star. Good to hear that the little matter of Carlos staying is not having an adverse affect on the group. My only worry for tomorrow was how we'd react and from your report, it is plain to see that they are going about their business as they should be.

I had tomorrows game down as a draw 4 games ago, but with our current form and this bringing them closer as a group in my opinion, then I'm changing my prediction to a win and Gollum going back and eating Goldfish at Goodison.

Once again, cheers Doug - over and beyond again.

ryanmjo wrote:You don't think there's a chance that he didn't work with tomorrow's team because the match isn't going to be on tomorrow do you? That would be terrible.

Just been on SSN. City have cleared any issue's inside the ground and cleared the main route's into the ground. They have just re-gritted and are confident that the match will go on. They've also said that they have extra vehicle's on standby in case of any last minute hitches.

If that helps.

Beefymcfc wrote:

ryanmjo wrote:You don't think there's a chance that he didn't work with tomorrow's team because the match isn't going to be on tomorrow do you? That would be terrible.

Just been on SSN. City have cleared any issue's inside the ground and cleared the main route's into the ground. They have just re-gritted and are confident that the match will go on. They've also said that they have extra vehicle's on standby in case of any last minute hitches.

If that helps.

Thanks for that. Was just worrying out loud really.