Training Sunday 24 April

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Evening all. I have missed a few days but switching today's session to 6pm wasn't going to put me off.( 10 am yesterday!)Not the easiest watch though as the sun was very low into our eyes.

18 outfield players on show so just CT/JB/MR/MJ missing.Joe Hart in full flow as well with Shay,Stu and Erik J. As usual on the day before a game it was jogging,some short sprints and stretching followed by a couple of games on adjacent pitches.Ivan Carminati switching the players from game to game ,big nets to small nets,when they were least expecting it.And the finale was the tag game with two holding hands and trying to tag another player of their choice.They didn't take this last bit seriously so I think Ivan needs something else to give them a laugh.

Generally though you could see the spirits were high in all they did.A 10 a side game finished it all off today and it was quite a strong game too.Only one photographer there today ( others had turned up for a morning session:) and his camera really went into action after one challenge.He was hoping for an injury as he clicked away and all he got was a shaking fence trying to blur his pictures:) PV was on the recieving end and got up after a little lie down.Joe Hart looked in fine fettle and flying about all over the place ( but if Ian ladyman is reading this he had a massive strapping around his middle and lower back and must be a major doubt for the run in games)

There weren't many goals in this but Dzeko scored the first with a great turn and left footer. As ever we heard the call of golden goal and the defences got even tigher to allow nothing.Kidd called time but moans from the players to carry on( led by Nigel and Vinnie) kept it going.He called time again but was overruled before eventually Milner scored with a great left foot shot curling into the corner.

Most went in but Mario and Dzeko stayed for a while with Mancini working on something and Milner joined the keepers to test them with his shooting. When Edin went in mario stayed for some long distance efforts at Stu.Nigel also stayed out but just with what looked like a family group for some autographs and pictures.In the end Mario had to be shouted in to get changed in time for the coach leaving at 8.30.

[craigmcfc]

Mario has another hat-trick game brewing, I can feel it. Tomorrow could be that night.

Thanks again Doug

[Beefymcfc]

Good reporting again Doug, but why did they train so late; is it something to do with the late kick-off time or do you think they were trying to pull a flanker so no-one would be there to see training?

[Green & Blue]

Cheers once again Doug.

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Good reporting again Doug, but why did they train so late; is it something to do with the late kick-off time or do you think they were trying to pull a flanker so no-one would be there to see training?

Yesterday was early and today was late so they could get as much time with family over Easter as possible.That's what I heard plus as they are off to a hotel tonight a late session fittedd the bill so it's only tomorrow where they have to kill time.

[blues2win]

Micah still not training is a bit of a surprise. Obviously out tomorrow but probably W Ham too, I suppose?

[Beefymcfc]

Good reporting again Doug, but why did they train so late; is it something to do with the late kick-off time or do you think they were trying to pull a flanker so no-one would be there to see training?

Yesterday was early and today was late so they could get as much time with family over Easter as possible.That's what I heard plus as they are off to a hotel tonight a late session fittedd the bill so it's only tomorrow where they have to kill time.

Cheers mate, and does show the club trying to accommodate the players. Let's hope they appreciate it and play out of their skin's tomorrow, although I don't think they'll need to to beat BB at the moment (please don't take that attitude either).

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Micah still not training is a bit of a surprise. Obviously out tomorrow but probably W Ham too, I suppose?

He might make WHU based on what Mancini said the other day that he needed a week or 10 days.If everyone else stays fit though I do expect he will be given extra time.

Slight surprise to me as he was looking ok in training before the semi.Must have had a slight set back.

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Oops nearly forgot.Happy Birthday to my daughter Kate down in Aus and currently organising her ticket home from Brisbane in time for the final.

[Mark (Blue Army)]

Thanks Doug, top report as always

[Beefymcfc]

Oops nearly forgot.Happy Birthday to my daughter Kate down in Aus and currently organising her ticket home from Brisbane in time for the final.

You may have organised the ticket from Oz, but have you organised tickets for the game?

And, Happy Birthday to you as well Kate, hope you have a lovely day.

[roblues]

Micah still not training is a bit of a surprise. Obviously out tomorrow but probably W Ham too, I suppose?

He might make WHU based on what Mancini said the other day that he needed a week or 10 days.If everyone else stays fit though I do expect he will be given extra time.

Slight surprise to me as he was looking ok in training before the semi.Must have had a slight set back.

I recall him saying in an interview after the semi-final that he pulled the hamstring again the day before

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Oops nearly forgot.Happy Birthday to my daughter Kate down in Aus and currently organising her ticket home from Brisbane in time for the final.

You may have organised the ticket from Oz, but have you organised tickets for the game?

And, Happy Birthday to you as well Kate, hope you have a lovely day.

working on it:)

[dazby]

Oops nearly forgot.Happy Birthday to my daughter Kate down in Aus and currently organising her ticket home from Brisbane in time for the final.

In the nick of time Doug.

[Crossie]

Great to hear Marios enthusiam.

Hopefully starting games upfront, is what he needs to encourage some focus.

[Renato_CTID]

Fantastic news about Mario! I hope Doug's report would be confirmed by a great preformance from all the squad this evening!

[Doug's Daughter]

Cheers for the shout out pops keep me updated on the hunt for golden ticket. See you soooon x x

[ant london]

Cheers for the shout out pops keep me updated on the hunt for golden ticket. See you soooon x x

haha.....what a name, better than Uwe's Sky Blue Duvet tho I guess.

Happy belated bday Kate.....where are you in Oz now btw? Will be in Melbourne in July (...and October)

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Cheers for the shout out pops keep me updated on the hunt for golden ticket. See you soooon x x

Closing in but won't know till 4th May .