WE finally returned from our first pre-season trip to Florida on the last day of February. It has been a tough and gruelling stint, which has seen plenty of hard work put in on and off the field.
Pre-season is not only to build up fitness, but also to get the group together and integrate the new lads in the squad. From Bradenton we had driven to Orlando to stay in Disney, ready for the ESPN Disney Classic tournament.
During pre-season we have had over 10 trialists coming into camp, with some staying longer than others, while others failed to show up. It is difficult to tell how they will cope, but I do like the look of one or two of them.
What it has also done is to keep up the numbers within the group, as we have picked up a few injuries along the way. I am one of them that has a slight muscle strain, which kept me out of the games.
We played Dallas in the first match and after an early scare we went ahead when one of the trialists, Vincent Kyassi, that I really like, scored his second goal of pre -season. Towards half time after a big scuffle we went down to 10 men, when Nick Garcia was sent off for a tangle with a Dallas player.
That meant we played the second half with only 10 men and although saved by the woodwork and and some great saves by our young keeper we won 1-0 to go to the final. It wasn’t pretty or anything but the lads dug in and showed great desire, something Preki is trying to instill.
We then had to face New York Red Bulls in the final. The last time the lads played them we lost 5-0 in the final game of the mls regular season, so we had to be on our guard. After a disappointing performance we lost 4-0 after Juan Pablo Angel scored a hat-trick, before getting carried off. Again we went down to 10 men after Julian de Guzman was sent off for a lunge on Angel.
It was not a good finish to a long trip for us, but we are still in pre-season. We still have a lot of work to do, but the boys are ready for what lies ahead.
While being away I sadly missed my son Milo’s second birthday. I was gutted but I know he had a wonderful time with Laura and Lowri.
I’ve watches lots of games in last few weeks but must mention Chelsea v Man City. After the massive build up the game did not disappoint as City won 4-2, with Bellamy scoring two goals. But the hot topic – as was always going to be – was the JT v Bridge situation. Everyone seems to have an opinion, so here is mine.
1) Wayne Bridge was totally right to not shake hands with John Terry.
2) Chelsea fans were wrong to boo Wayne Bridge.
3) It is a massive decision by Bridge to quit England ahead of World Cup.
4) Did close pals Cole and Lampard know what was going on as well?
5) JT’s standing amongst other players has dropped unbelievably.
6) It is totally the right decision by Capello to strip him of the England captaincy.
7) Bellamy’s rant on JT was hilarious, especially as his wife watched on in horror in the Chelsea box.
My final summary is that it is a sad day when someone who you think is a friend does that to you.
It wasn’t a shock to see Man United win another trophy against Aston Villa with Rooney scoring again.
Finally my thoughts go out to Aaron Ramsey who was the victim of a bad tackle and horror injury at the weekend. You don’t wish that on anyone and especially Aaron, who is the kindest and most genuine lad your are ever likely to meet.
I’ve sent him a message and he seems fine and I’ve no doubt that he will come back stronger. Great to see how many people were there for him.
All of us wish you a speedy recovery!