Training Thursday 14/10

[Douglas Higginbottom]

A full session today but still a few missing. Most notably Carlos but also Yaya. A few were out at the start but didn't stay for the whole time. Milner did warm up stuff but then went off with a physio to do mostly running.AJ seemed fine but seemed to get a ball right on the end of his foot which really hurt and he didn't take part in the football at the end.Kolo also only did the warm up stuff. Good though to see Micah,Zaba,Bridge,Kolarov and Boateng taking part in full.

And then there was Mario. He came out quite late and joined in immediately in a keep ball circle which is not what he was supposed to be doing. I just think he saw them having a lot of fun and just wanted to join in. He took some pulling away but went off to do some work with a physio which lasted quite a while and from what I saw was all about strengthening the leg muscles.Maybe the date in the MEN seems plausible.

At different times Mancini took the attack and then defence away for some specific work. The attackers working on some flowing moves. Good movement too and plenty getting forward.The defence focussing a lot on positional play and defending corners and free kicks.

They finished with what was a 9 a side game on half a pitch and it got a little tasty towards the end.SWP took a double challnge and had to go off for treatment.It didn't look good but in true SWP style he was back on after 5 minutes or so. maybe because his replacement was the boss! But within 2 minutes of coming back on he was flattened twice more by Vinnie who wasn't taking any prisoners. I think Vinnie's side won in the end and that's despite 2 goals from Nigel.One a pen but the other a top curling shot which dipped just under the bar. It was a neat finish from Barry from a Bridge ball that won the game.Whilst Joe was fuming at his defenders ,Vinnie was congratulaiting all his teammates on the win..

One moment in a keep ball circle when NDJ flew in to get a ball and left SWP saying" and that's why you are always in the papers" I thought NDJ was good as gold today managing to train really well and have fun at the same time.The next minute he deflected a quick pass straight into PV's face much to everyone's amusement.It was really good fun watching them in great spirits today.

[Beefymcfc]

About time an'all ;-)

(goes back to read it)

[shortagain]

Hasn't Carlos been given a couple of days off to see his daughter. Bit concerning about YaYa though

[john68]

Thanks Doug...For all the shit spouted by the media, there seems little wrong with the togetherness of our squad.

[Beefymcfc]

Sounded a good sesh Doug, cheers mate. Did Kolarov and Boateng look up for the Blackpool game?

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Hasn't Carlos been given a couple of days off to see his daughter. Bit concerning about YaYa though

I believe he was given an extra day or so but he was ar Carrington today but just inside.maybe just back and needing a day's recovery.

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Sounded a good sesh Doug, cheers mate. Did Kolarov and Boateng look up for the Blackpool game?

Boateng yes and likely to play I would say but I think they will give Kolarov a little longer even though he looked good .

[Beefymcfc]

Hasn't Carlos been given a couple of days off to see his daughter. Bit concerning about YaYa though

I believe he was given an extra day or so but he was ar Carrington today but just inside.maybe just back and needing a day's recovery.

Obviously in the sauna cleansing those Big Fat Juicy Donner Keeeebabs!

[Beefymcfc]

Sounded a good sesh Doug, cheers mate. Did Kolarov and Boateng look up for the Blackpool game?

Boateng yes and likely to play I would say but I think they will give Kolarov a little longer even though he looked good .

Cheers pal, I think we will see the true formation once these 2 are back; hopefully soon.

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Thanks Doug...For all the shit spouted by the media, there seems little wrong with the togetherness of our squad.

Agreed John. I like to see the little bits of interaction between players. When they go out at the start , during exercises and also in the football games when it gets really competitive.Looks good to me and just what I would expect of a squad of players getting on well.They really were falling about laughing at one point and typically there were no photographers were around.No doubt all concerned will be heavily fined.

[johnno]

cheers!
any news on Michael Johnson?

[Fidel Castro]

Woohoo! Great news about Balotelli

[brite blu sky]

Great report Doug, thanks.
Surprised Kolarov was thrown into the contact stuff already. Did he look like he was taking it easy at all.. ie avioding challenges and Nige in general?

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Great report Doug, thanks.
Surprised Kolarov was thrown into the contact stuff already. Did he look like he was taking it easy at all.. ie avioding challenges and Nige in general?

I don't think he was taking it easy but equally he didn't throw himself into anything major. And he was on the other side to Nigel!

[Douglas Higginbottom]

cheers!
any news on Michael Johnson?

Who?

He wasn't out at all.

[bluelogic32]

How was ade in training today? good news about a couple of our defenders getting better

[Beeks]

Super Mario!!

[Ted Hughes]

Thanks Doug.

Wondering what's going on with M Johnson. Is he actually at the training ground, perhaps doing strength work indoors or could he have been sent out to train elsewhere or to see a specialist?

[Beefymcfc]

Thanks Doug.

Wondering what's going on with M Johnson. Is he actually at the training ground, perhaps doing strength work indoors or could he have been sent out to train elsewhere or to see a specialist?

I hear the Auto-Mobile Assoc is looking for a specialist.

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Thanks Doug.

Wondering what's going on with M Johnson. Is he actually at the training ground, perhaps doing strength work indoors or could he have been sent out to train elsewhere or to see a specialist?

I will try to find out more tomorrow. Strange he hasnt been out this week when before the break I was wondering when he might get some reserve match time.