Training Friday 24/12

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Christmas Eve already ( Happy Christmas already for the Aus guys) and it was a shorter session today. Everybody out there I think except SWP ( a legacy of yesterday no doubt) and Kolo ( not injured as far as I know so maybe given a day or 2 off as he cant play on Sunday) Ade was more fully involved today and MJ was there again taking a full part.

A few routines jogs and stretches before splitting into two groups. One playing a 5 a side type game and the other "team" working with Mancini. Initially the team passed the ball around midfield then some attacking moves followed by a little defensive shape stuff. Can't ( won't) say what the team might be for Sunday if indeed that's what he started with but my guess is he will be planning to use the full squad during the next 4 games or so.

When he switched the 2 groups around it really did hammer home the quality we have throughout the squad. If the first group really was the team for Sunday,wow the other group was quality as well. Some very good finishing today from Jo when he got his chance but sadly the crossing wasn't always up to scratch.

After Mancini finished with the second group and number of the "senior" players went inside leaving the others to have a go at some shooting practice.Stand out fun moment of the day was when Joe Hart was in goal and facing Kolarov I think. Joe was probably 4 or 5 yards off his line and anticipated the shot would be to his left but Kolarov belted it straight. Stood directly behind Joe was Stu Taylor who got the shot full in his gut and went down like the proverbial sack of spuds.It must have hurt and he got the usual sympathy. None at all.

Kolarov again looked very good at finishing and I do look forward to the day he scores his first. I hope it's a belter but like the rest of us I look forward to Nigel's first even more.Not sure Nigel scored today even though he tried a lot.

[edgeley blue]

cheers doug as usual, happy chritmas mate, you have done a sterling job this year, many thanks.

Like you, I hope Nige scores this christmas, would be very sweet if it was against Newcastle.

[Kladze]

cheers doug as usual, happy chritmas mate, you have done a sterling job this year, many thanks.

Like you, I hope Nige scores this christmas, would be very sweet if it was against Newcastle.

Yes, if you turn up at Carrington tomorrow Doug you will be listed as officially deranged. Happy Christmas mate and thanks for everything :-)

[Ted Hughes]

Thank's for your sterling efforts once again Doug. Do you get Christmas off?

[Douglas Higginbottom]

cheers doug as usual, happy chritmas mate, you have done a sterling job this year, many thanks.

Like you, I hope Nige scores this christmas, would be very sweet if it was against Newcastle.

Yes, if you turn up at Carrington tomorrow Doug you will be listed as officially deranged. Happy Christmas mate and thanks for everything :-)

I think I have been listed as that for a while. Training tomorrow I now understand is at COMS before they travel up.

[mcfc/wire]

Great read as usual Doug . Thanks for all the reports throughout the year .

[saulman]

Thanks for the report Doug. Always a good read. Merry Christmas to you mate.

You down there tomorrow, btw? ;-)

[edgeley blue]

Thanks for the report Doug. Always a good read. Merry Christmas to you mate.

You down there tomorrow, btw? ;-)

He better bloody had, no slacking Doug just because its christmas lol

[Twobob]

Thanks DH for anouther year of great reports through rain, wind, sleet, snow, more rain and the odd hour of sunshine!

Hope you and your family have a great Christmas!

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Thanks for all the kind words gents. Let's hope for 9 points and an FA Cup win to give all a great Christmas

[Thai]

Thanks once again, Doug, for these reports - just like to wish you a very "MERRY CHRISTMAS" mate.

[Goataldo]

cheers doug as usual, happy chritmas mate, you have done a sterling job this year, many thanks.

Like you, I hope Nige scores this christmas, would be very sweet if it was against Newcastle.

Yes, if you turn up at Carrington tomorrow Doug you will be listed as officially deranged. Happy Christmas mate and thanks for everything :-)

I think I have been listed as that for a while. Training tomorrow I now understand is at COMS before they travel up.

So you'll be going to CoMS then?

[Douglas Higginbottom]

cheers doug as usual, happy chritmas mate, you have done a sterling job this year, many thanks.

Like you, I hope Nige scores this christmas, would be very sweet if it was against Newcastle.

Yes, if you turn up at Carrington tomorrow Doug you will be listed as officially deranged. Happy Christmas mate and thanks for everything :-)

I think I have been listed as that for a while. Training tomorrow I now understand is at COMS before they travel up.

So you'll be going to CoMS then?

I will see if I can find time between the turkey and the christmas pud :)

[getdressedmctavish]

Well done all round Doug. Many gems during the year helping us to keep one ahead of our mates on inside info, very important if you mix with a load of "experts" like I do.Felt more positive towards Bert since he came into Turin airport last week and had a lot of time for everyone. Surprised how slightly built he was. He looked a decent bloke though not exactly King Kev at his most gushing, lol.Playwise, I'm like the rest, splinters in me arse, but I'm starting to see where he wants us to be and how we will play. Given time he'll get there. But so he should.Starting to get a bit more enthusiasm for the product, particularly our increasing ability to keep the ball. We need another ten goals from somewhere but I reckon that's being addressed.As for Nige scoring, I'm not holding me breath,lol

[BadKompany]

Doug,Just to echo the above deserved accolades for all your efforts,i really enjoy and appreciate your reports,so thankyou very much!

Just a quick question if you don't mind,Mario is currently the subject of much debate,predominantly regarding his attitude,generally,how does he come across in training? in particular,do you think he deserves the sulky and lazy tags he is acquiring? cheers

[gillie]

DH i dont often comment on your reports but i read every one thanks for your outstanding commitment and have a great festive period with your family.

[john68]

Douglas, Thanks for all those reports throughout the year mate. Your dedication (hail, rain, snow and ice) is well appreciated.

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Doug,Just to echo the above deserved accolades for all your efforts,i really enjoy and appreciate your reports,so thankyou very much!

Just a quick question if you don't mind,Mario is currently the subject of much debate,predominantly regarding his attitude,generally,how does he come across in training? in particular,do you think he deserves the sulky and lazy tags he is acquiring? cheers

Wasn't it Mourinho that said he only trains at 20% but if he did 50% he could be the best in the world? Well I have seen in training what we all have seen in matches.There have been times where he looked a little disinterested but to be honest I could say that about a few others at times as well.I have seen occasions where he has come out early and looked a slightly lonely figure perhaps wondering what it's all about.One day he came out and smashed a couple of balls at a net then wandered over got a ball and sat on it by a post for a minute or two watching the others come out.

But, without wanting to just be positive for the sake of it, I do think his attitude and involvement in training and improved.There have been more signs that he is enjoying things and getting on with teammates more and simply putting more into the training.The incident on Thursday where he took a very heavy challenge ( from Vinnie I think) but just got up and on with it to try and score was good to see for me. Only a few seconds later I was still watching him and he seemed to be wincing at the pain but he still got on with it.

The other day he was messing with Kolarov before many had come out and was trying to stand on the ball and show his great balance. Not easy as I recall but he managed it only for Kolarov to move in and push him off.Seemed like good fun and more and more he interacts with other individuals.Plus of course the manager spends some specific time with him and I see Kiddo with an arm round his shoulder and shaking his hand at times. All part of what might well be a slow settling into England and all it entails.

Be positive I would say.

[Dubaimancityfan]

Thanks Doug for all yr reports, come rain, hail or snow. Merry Christmas mate and enjoy your day off !!

[dazby]

Hey Doug I sent Kate atext today but she snubbed me. Is she in
Melbourne now?

What was Ades injury? I thought he was being mollycoddled for an impending move.

I hope Sweep gets some gametime as I think he's got a lot to give.