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Really windy out there today which made it difficult for some aspects of the training. Plus only half the main squad took part today with those who have been involved fully in international being given an extra day off.They might have been inside doing stuff but definitely not outside.

With so many EDS guys in the group Andy Welsh lead the initial warm up/skill exercises with Kidd helping and RM and DP watching on.I think I knew all but one of the players but this one had a sweet left foot and could possibly have been Harry Pilling's grandson.Smaller than SWP I would say.After the start up exercises Mancini took a group away to work on some attacking plays. 4 attackers ( Carlos,Mario,AJ and Dzeko) with just 2 defenders McGivern and Wabara.The rest played a keep ball session before starting an 8 a side game.

All very nice and competitive but something lacking I thought.The others finished working with Mancini and joined the fray and it became 11 a side on half a pitch. Never ideal for the "normal" true quality football but a great test on first touch,movement and short passing.Defences very much on top and interesting to see Ibrahim in a very deep role and playing well.Goals from Jo and MJ before the golden goal was called and it seemed it was never going to happen till Dzeko slammed a cross in to end it all.

Cheers Doug.

Eee Harry Pilling; brings back memories. If he was like Harry Pilling's grandson then he must have been a proper shortarse. I remember 'Little H' batting with Clive Llloyd; quite comical when they ran past each other.

Cheers as always DH

Can't wait for the "CITY STARS FAIL TO TURN UP FOR TRAINING" and "SOMETHING LACKING IN TRAINING" stories to start up by the end of the week Doug.

"A source close to City (just over the fence) says all is not well at Carrington. Those ill disciplined, overpaid yet exhausted Manchester City stars show no committment to their cause as many even failed to crawl out of their beds to bother training. With a matter of only weeks left of their rapidly fading hopes and an important FA Cup semi final against their neighbours, it is now obvious to even the most casual observer and our experienced man on the spot, that Mancini's days are numbered, as he yet again fails to motivate his overpriced celebrities.
We can now confirm beyond doubt what the City forums are saying...that it is time for Mancini to go. Leaving much of the coaching work to Kidd and his staff is not satisfactory at this stage of the season."

john68 wrote:Can't wait for the "CITY STARS FAIL TO TURN UP FOR TRAINING" and "SOMETHING LACKING IN TRAINING" stories to start up by the end of the week Doug.

"A source close to City (just over the fence) says all is not well at Carrington. Those ill disciplined, overpaid yet exhausted Manchester City stars show no committment to their cause as many even failed to crawl out of their beds to bother training. With a matter of only weeks left of their rapidly fading hopes and an important FA Cup semi final against their neighbours, it is now obvious to even the most casual observer and our experienced man on the spot, that Mancini's days are numbered, as he yet again fails to motivate his overpriced celebrities.
We can now confirm beyond doubt what the City forums are saying...that it is time for Mancini to go. Leaving much of the coaching work to Kidd and his staff is not satisfactory at this stage of the season."

Can't believe Mr Positive can even let such thoughts cross his mind:)

I actually thought they might have nobody in today,batteries recharged for another day and then 2 very positive training days to spark them up for the final push.I still expect the last part from tomorrow.I hope the weather sttays nice

Cheers Doug, great read as usual.

doug can't believe there's no mention of this:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1371951/Edin-Dzeko-shows-Mario-Balotelli-bib-on.html

cheers

Ted Hughes wrote:Cheers Doug.

Eee Harry Pilling; brings back memories. If he was like Harry Pilling's grandson then he must have been a proper shortarse. I remember 'Little H' batting with Clive Llloyd; quite comical when they ran past each other.

A blast from the past indeed.

David Lloyd, Barry Wood, Harry Pilling, Clive Lloyd, Farouk Engineer, Jackie Bond, Peter Lever, Peter Lee, Ken Shuttleworth, Flat Jack Simmons, David Hughes (legend!)and of course the legend in his own lunchtime - Frank Hayes, always good for a quick 10.

A great side, and a long time ago.

john@staustell wrote:

Ted Hughes wrote:Cheers Doug.

Eee Harry Pilling; brings back memories. If he was like Harry Pilling's grandson then he must have been a proper shortarse. I remember 'Little H' batting with Clive Llloyd; quite comical when they ran past each other.

A blast from the past indeed.

David Lloyd, Barry Wood, Harry Pilling, Clive Lloyd, Farouk Engineer, Jackie Bond, Peter Lever, Peter Lee, Ken Shuttleworth, Flat Jack Simmons, David Hughes (legend!)and of course the legend in his own lunchtime - Frank Hayes, always good for a quick 10.

A great side, and a long time ago.

You couldnt score of flat Jack Simmons - 8 overs for 20 odd every week in the sunday league when 40 overs a side was considered a thrash!